
Class F37^ 
Book_Jl2v£_ 



1/6^ 



SCENES ,yf 



AND 



SETTLERS 



OP 



ALABAMA. 



BY 

Sub Rosa. 



1-s<g 



■1- " 



A IVORD OR TWO. 



Some one has said — If you wish to be revenged of 
your enemy, induce him to write a book. My enemy is 
necessity. Something was to be done. My attendants, old 
age, ill health, ill luck, and lack of business capacity, indi- 
cated what that something should be, — Hinc illce lacrimce. 
It is not because 1 believe myself competent, but because of 
my relative position towards the things whereof I am about 
^" to speak. ' I am a living link between a dead and a living 

generation — I was pari of the former, as I am part of the 
latter, and I tell of what I know, and saw. Thus I am 
induced to believe I can paint a true, if not artistic picture, 
of the scenes I attempt to describe in the following pages. 

From the first scene, the explosion of the " Wild Cat " 
to the present time, fifty years and a great civil war have 
rolled down the alley-ways of eternity, obliterating nearly 
two whole generations, and almost their memory. Hence 
my excuse for introducing descendants to the ways and hab. 
its of their ancestors, which, I trust, will prove of sufiicient 
interest, both to induce them to read my book, and excuse 
my temerity. 

Sub Rosa. 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

By Sub Rosa. 



THE "WILD CAT." 

Btisy Memory, now uplifting the mists of fifty past years, begins 
this scene when, a boy of ten, I stood upon a bluff of the Black War- 
rior river at Areola, one of a group composed of whites, Indians and 
negroes of all ages and sexes, waiting curiously and fearfully to see 
the pioneer steamboat " Wild Cat " pass down stream. She was the 
first steamer to climb this narrow, crooked and rapid current to Tus- 
caloosa, the head of navigation. She had passed up unheralded and 
unseen by many of the settlers. Newspapers in those days were few 
and never arrived on time, hence no one expected her advent. But 
her return was winded, by word of mouth, all along the river, and 
the entire population adjacent assembled at the most convenient land- 
ings to see the monster go down. 

At this moment the steamer was just opposite, distant but a half 
mile overland and five miles by course of current. The snorts of her 
scape-pipe echoed and reechoed through the narrow intervening skirt 
of timber like a saturnalia of wild beasts battling over a carcass. The 
smoke from her chimneys rose above the trees black and heavy, mark- 
ing her progress, and trailing behind on the still air like a long sable 
streamer. Each puff — now low, then loud and fierce, as the nature 
of the woods covered or uncovered the sound — drew ejaculations and 
exclamations from our variegated group, such as "Ugh, Ugh!" "Hi, 
Hi!" "Golly, dat's a snorter!" "Pse gwine home, I is!" "Hell's 
afloat!" &c., uttered according to size, race and color. As soon as 
the "Wild Cat," propelled as fast by the rapid current as the power of 
her rude machinery, revealed her fearful figure through the thinner 
trees of the point above, an immediate stampede of short cotton shirt- 
tails and tri-colored legs followed to the rear, but overcome by curi- 
osity, when they saw the older folks stand firm, returned to their 
positions. The steamer quickly uncovered the timber, and showed 
her fiery furnace doors wide open, and her huge black chimneys 



6 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

belching fire, smoke and unearthly groans. She tapped her bell for 
our landing. Scarcely had the reverberation ceased to quiver upon 
the air, before an explosion and immense roar followed, similar to 
Niagara Falls heard at the vortex, for the first time, by suddenly 
unstopping the ears. It was Sunday morning, the air still and shim- 
mering with waves of heat and moisture — ^just such a state of the 
atmosphere as to give sound full volume — lent assistance to the effect, 
so appalling to the spectators. Billow after billow of white steam 
rolled from all sides, and completely enveloped the ill-fated steamer, 
hiding her from sight. For several minutes this veil hung around 
her, then slowly uplifting like a massive white cloud stirred by a gen- 
tle breeze, gradually uncovered and revealed the ghastly deeds done 
under a pall seemingly created for the purpose. Her chimneys were 
gone, her boilers hidden in the canebrake, her engines twisted out of 
form, and her voice hushed forever. Like a log she swung to the 
mercy of the current, v^jhich soon drove her, stern foremost, to the 
landing, where she was caught and made fast to the trees. Now, for 
the first time, aggregated and hideous death met my gaze. Several 
men and women, scorched black by fire, lay upon the guards burn- 
ing, smoking, dead and dying. Upon the bow the remainder of her 
passengers and crew stood, or laid around, scalded, screaming, and 
expiring. Some, naked, had flaps of skin peeling from their faces 
and rolling down their nude bodies like spring bark from hickory sap- 
lings, revealing the bloody trellis-work of veins and muscles lying 
beneath the outer covering. The air seemed to quiver with choked 
gioans, sighs and loud prayers for mercy. Great confusion ensued, 
none knew what to do, except chorus the cries of the victims, until 
some more experienced persons came from the adjoining plantations 
and established a system of relief. There was no heed taken as to 
who should provide for the sufferers, it seemed instinctively under- 
stood the nearest and most convenient houses were to become hospi- 
tals without a question or consent or consultation of their owners, and 
the patients common property and objects of care to the entire settle- 
ment. Carriages, wagons, rudely and temporarily constructed stretch- 
ers, and willing hands, soon made the survivors as comfortable as 
possible. Everybody hastened to contribute the best they had on 
hand to dress wounds. In several instances lace handkerchiefs, sou- 
venirs of the glories of the Empire, were sacrificed and scraped into 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 7 

lint for this purpose. No one cared what went so that pain was 
cased and life spared. A generous competion arose between the 
French — exiles from their dearly-loved France — and the American 
settlers as to who should make the greatest sacrifices for the unhappy 
beings so terribly and unexpectedly blown upon their shores and 
mercy. 

After many months, when close attention and tender nursing had 
restored the victims to health, they went their several ways provided 
with money, clothes, good wishes and friendships added to gratitude 
to endure the balance of their days. 

The Marengo-county Colony, composed of French refugees from 
the wars of the Empire, mingled with American settlers of a higher 
class from the older States, formed a social circle in that primitive 
wilderness, unexcelled by any society of the country. The history of 
the Marengo Colony is a romance of more pages than the purposes of 
this pamphlet will permit to describe. 

ABOARD THE "SUN."— DOWN THE RIVER. 

A few months after the '^Wild Cat" exploded, her successor, the 
steamer "Sun," tied up at our plantation, on the Warrior, to take us 
and our cotton crop to Mobile. My first impression of steam had not 
been favorable to that element. Ever since that terrible scene I had 
been pondering on steam and had come to the conclusion that it was 
a subject to be pondered upon the more T pondered. Although fifty 
years have gone fading down the passages of memory since then I am 
still pondering, without elucidation : Why is it, in boiler explosions, 
no one is to blame, except, perhaps, the dead victim who cannot 
testify in his own behalf? The inspector's certificate covers the 
boiler, the foimdryman's receipt for newness or recent repairs con- 
firms the inspector's certificate. With an eye to the future the frac- 
tion of the engineer, lucky enough to be spared, testifies the water 
and the steam were all right. An expert in metal, holding a frac- 
tured fragment in hand, with a knowing look of the eye, explains to 
the learned judge — who, of course, knows all about it — that the ex- 
plosion came from no lack of cohesion of particles, but from over- 
expansion of steam inside the particles. Then, last of all, comes the 
fireman, who, upon oath, swears he saw no two hundred pound 
" nigger" sitting upon the weights. Hence, the cause, if any, lies 
I 



8 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

between the dead man and the expansion of steam. The insurance 
company pays up, and the steam goes on expanding until ready for 
another over-expansion. Hence it is I am still of the opinion that 
steam is a thing to ponder upon the more you ponder. 

When I boarded the "Sun," held by my parents on either hand, 
fear and misgivijigs marked my faltering footsteps across the staging 
and up the round ladder steps into the hissing caldron of the steam- 
er's open cabin. Mother tried to make light of my fears, but con- 
fessed afterwards she was not without reproach, and required many 
assuraces from our popular captain, Sardine Stone, to quiet her 
nerves. Captain Stone's father, of the same name, was the first sur- 
reyor to lay off the streets of Mobile into shape and regularity. His 
remains are buried upon the Stone family homestead in Marengo 
county. When we entered the cabin supper waited upon the steam- 
ing table, which covered a circular box through which the fly-wheel, 
then uncoupled, revolved, working off steam. Every revolution 
shook the table and all its contents with fearful clatter of dishes, 
glasses and tumblers — every stroke of the loose piston was followed 
by steam escaping and hissing like a thousand fish in a mammoth 
frying-pan — white vapor spirted up through cracks in the floor Hke 
geysers in the sea, all together combining to raise pandemonium with 
our unaccustomed nervous system. Mother groaned, and I ceased to 
masticate at every new sound, until assured and reassured time and 
again by the captain, to whom our trepidation was a source of great 
amusement. He looked upon our fears with the same curiosity that 
the Choctaw Indians manifested at seeing a Frenchman on board, at 
Nannahubba bluff, pull out and exhibit an entire set of false front teeth 

and replace them. 

THE SUPPER. 

A multitude of small dishes, containing a good mouthful each, 
dotted the table, and defied a name. Pies, puddings, custards, pre- 
serves, pickles, acids and sweets commingled in reckless profusion 
and confusion. The exceptions to these minute plates and their con- 
tents were two huge smoking hot platters of fried venison steaks 
placed, one at the head of the table before Captain Stone, and the 
other at the foot in front of Gen. Baker, the clerk. This gentleman, 
a few years after, was tried in Tuscaloosa for some violence or shoot- 
ing affair, and being found guilty asked the permission of the court — 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OK ALABAMA. 9 

through his counsel, George N. Stewart, (as was then customary) — 
to treat the jury and court, to show a want of malice. This was 
granted. The wine had been previously drugged with an opiate. 
While the entire court, including both audience and sheriff, slept, 
Gen. Baker galloped off to Texas, where he became, many years 
after, a member of Congress and a prominent leader pf the stirring 
scenes preceding the annexation of Texas. 

Most meats in those times were fried, both because they were 
quicker done and on account of the scarcity of other cooking utensils. 
There were heaping platters of fried catfish, trapped from the War- 
rior river in baskets plaited with white-oak strips, wide at the bottom 
and narrow at the top ; a yielding funnel composed of the same mate- 
rial admitted the fish easily, but closed against their exit. The bait 
used was a mixture of cotton and dough, boiled together, to resist the 
wash of water through the open wicker-work. These baskets, tied to 
overhanging limbs by grapevines, were let down upon the bottom of 
the river, and allowed to remain for several days before taken up. 
They often contained several hundred pounds of fish. Their locality 
for many hundred yards below and above the landing was marked by 
the rigid grapevines quivering with rush of the current. Every Sun- 
day morning there was a general meet of the basketmen at the land- 
ing for the purpose of a big division of several days' catch. This 
was done, amidst merriment and jokes, in the following manner: 
The contents of all the baskets — catfish, perch, suckers, drums and 
eels — were heaped upon the banks in one big pile and divided, as far 
as possible, into the requisite number of smaller piles, according to 
number and value — thus : a perch was worth two cats ; one big cat, 
two small drum ; a drum, two eels, &c. If there were ten fishermen 
present eleven piles were placed in a small circle, the odd one being 
for "old missis." Then all the negroes — stark naked, just as they 
-came from the water — stood facing the circle, except one, whose back 
was turned. One of them would put his finger on any bunch, hap- 
hazard, and ask the man with his back towards the fish, "Who pile 
dis?" "Dat's Tobe's pile;" "Who pile dis?" "Dat's Sandy's 
pile;" "Who pile dis?" "Dat's old missis' pile," and so on until 
all were disposed of. There was no appeal from the blind decision. 
It was, indeed, a la Madame Justitia with the bandage and scales. 
Each darkey then pitched a fish from his pile into "old missis' " pile 



lO SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

for lagniappe, particularly when "young master" was present to'' report 
their generosity to "old missis," who seldom failed to reward it with 
an extra plug of pig-tail tobacco. 

To return to our supper, there were — in addition to the catfish — 
fried ducks of every variety from the same stream ; fried squirrel, 
from the soft, downy grey to the red-haired fox ; fried partridges, 
caught in vast numbers by partridge-nets, in the following manner: 
At sight of a covey, or many coveys combined — containing sometimes 
a hundred or more birds, as was usual in that unhunted country — the 
horseman, who carried the net attached to his saddle, rode around 
and ahead of the covey, and his fellow huntsmen and huntswomen — 
for both sexes indulged in this pleasure, always mounted, because the 
birds would not take flight from a horse — and spread his net with twa 
outstretching wings covered with grass, in the most convenient place. 
Then circling their horses slowly around the birds running before, the 
riders — talking all the while as though not interested in the matter — 
drove and guided the covey cautiously into the wings and bag of the 
net, when the nearest rider immediately dismounted and stopped the 
entrance against their return. But let us return to the supper. 
There was fried possum between fried sweet potatoes floating in nat- 
ural grease — now-days we bake this succulent varmint, — there was 
coon fried and pricked through with red-pepper pods to facilitate 
digestion. There was fried venison steaks enough to surfeit the 
lunch-counter of a popular barroom, and last and best of all juicy 
and delicious fried steaks or strips from the breast of wild turkeys. 
This dish, then abundant, is fast disappearing before advancing civili- 
zation. It would be well for the present generation to procure a 
trial, for there will be no wild turkey steaks left for the next. The 
frying-pan then, as it is now in country kitchens to a less extent, was- 
the principal cooking utensil in use — except among the French set- 
tlers, who coming from France so recently brought and used the only 
roasters and broilers in the neighborhood — hence dyspepsia settled 
upon the settlement, and has been handed down with the family 
name in many instances, as an heir-loom to the present generation. 

No stores but tea, coffee, sugar, tobacco and whiskey were 
required to be laid in by the early steamboats navigating the Alabama 
rivers. The adjacent country, with ammunition and a shot gun — 
flint-lock at that — were sufficient to feed and clothe an army. Not yet 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. II 

exhausted, it was then a vast storehouse of living provender to be 
snared and secured in sport, not labor — hence the Indian name of 
♦•Alabama"— 

HERE WE REST. 

The huge platters of fried steaks placed at the head and foot of 
the table before the captain and clerk, were carved and served by 
them to the long string of waiters awaiting their turn, amid such rush 
and clatter of dishes and glasses as rendered it impossible to con- 
verse until all were helped. After about a half hour the guests arose 
and sought amusement until bed time. 

Now small circular parties of females, of that ilk called by the 
negroes "buckra white folks," assembled with their gum stick tooth- 
brushes in hand around a box of snuff, and dipped and gabbed until 
the contents were exhausted, and bed time came. 

Thus set the first sun aboard the steamer " Sun." 

THE CABIN OF THE "SUN" 

Consisted of two rows of sleeping-bunks on each side of the boat, one 
above the other. Red curtains — drawn upon draw-strings which 
never drew, on account of breakages and splices — were intended to 
conceal the ladies disrobing, but, like Mrs. Partington's goat's tail, 
rather tended to show than hide. The cabin had no partition and 
extended from bow to stern, married gentlemen and families slept 
towards the rear while single gentlemen occupied the front berths. 
The courtesy of the men of those days towards the gentle sex was 
proverbial. No one presumed to gaze rudely even upon the hum- 
blest woman. Had a dude of our day been there and winked one 
eye, as is usual with them now, he would have been probably gently 
chided with a derringer. 

CARD PLAYING 

And toddying were the principal occupation of the gentlemen from 
the moment they stepped aboard to the hour of departure. Perhaps, 
several times during the trip, the crops of cotton stored under the feet 
of the players, changed owners and commission merchants, before 
reaching port. The bar was a gold mine, and the barkeeper a jack- 
of-all-trades. To be popular and fill the position many accomplish- 
ments were required, some of which were to be always on hand 



12 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

ready to mix drinks night and day, to tell impossible yarns — the more 

extravagant the better — to play the fiddle or flute, to squeeze for a 

change of a bad run of luck and at the same time rejoice with the 

winners, to drink every bout and keep sober when everybody else 

were drunk, to load and lend his gun to every person who wished to 

try his skill as marksman at^the immense flights of waterfowl which 

darkened the river all day long, constantly accumulating before the 

noise of the steamer, and, driven beyond their range, rose and turned 

up stream, and passing overhead concealed the sun for many 

moments like an eclipse. When a barkeeper became popular he was 

at once a fortune to himself and his boat. Passengers waited weeks 

to travel with him. Time was no object in those days, and the first 

and fourth of the month were unknown numbers. Accounts of cotton 

sales alone marked pay day, and that came on no particular date, 

hence there were no protests for planters or loss of credit for failure 

to meet notes. 

A BUCK SWIMMING 

Across the river was now seen. In a moment all the passengers were 
on the guards, excited, shouting. The engines were stopped, the 
yawl manned by a party of amateurs, and soon in full pursuit. Now 
ensued a very exciting race between the deer and boat. With a forest 
of horns branching like a thorn bush, the buck, seeing his danger, 
redoubled his efforts to reach the dense canebrake ashore. The men 
bent to their oars with might and main, as they felt they were gaining 
distance each stroke. Within fifty feet of the bank the boat ran upon 
the deer, whose horns were quickly seized by the bow-oarsman, who 
attempted to push his head under water to drown him. In this he 
failed, because the deer, in desperation, struck his fore feet against 
the gunwales of the yawl with such fierce strokes that, aided by the 
clumsiness of the crew, he precipitated them headforemost into the 
river, which gave them such concern for their own safety they forgot 
the deer, who, abandoned to his own sweet will, rose triumphantly 
upon the slippery banks, shook himself and disappeared through the 
dense cane, which quickly closed behind and hid him from sight. 
Fortunately none of the unlucky sportsmen were missing when the 
yawl drew alongside, but the crew were guyed and received with such 
mockery and laughter, as made them glad and willing to purchase 
rest with wine enough to enliven everybody on board. 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 1 3 

WOODING. 

There were neither wood yards nor corded steamboat wood in 
those days. When the supply was exhausted, the boat tied up to the 
nearest and most convenient landing. The crew armed with axes and 
led by the mate, leapt ashore and attacked the standing tree, with 
regard only to the kindling qualities of the timber and its adaptability 
to creating heat. 

Cheered by the passengers as well as urged by the mate, they im- 
mediately attacked the standing trees, one chopper on each side, and 
made their axes ring and echo through the dense canebrake, while the 
chips flew around like hail. These contests were made lively by drams 
administered at intervals, and numerous wagers and banters upon the 
skill of the choppers, between the passengers. The moment a tree 
fell — crashing and sounding like thunder and shaking the adjacent 
thickets tor hundreds of yards, through the lace-work of pendant 
vines attached — it was bounced at intervals of four feet by the axmen, 
two facing in, and one out to make room for the swing of their helves, 
and the chopping match began. Here was the betting point, the 
best chopper, often the lightest weight, mounted the butt cut, the 
biggest end, and tried to go through before his nearest neighbor with 
a smaller cut. Thus the betting ranged from the stump to the lop of 
the tree. A tree forty-five feet long required ten choppers. Naked 
to the waist, black, greasy and muscular, with gouts of sweat beading 
their faces, and rolling in rills down their steaming bodies, they 
swung their gleaming axes with such terrific velocity as to carry them 
up by rebound ready for the descending stroke. The numerous 
streams and ponds piercing the dense canebrake like veins in the 
human body, caught up, carried and returned these sounds, so mul- 
tiplied and increased and confused, that the woods seemed to abound 
with thousands of cutting matches repeating each other in every 
direction. This continued until the cuts upon which they stood, 
shivered first then rolled off, severed from the main trunk. Shouts 
of triumph followed the victors, and bursts of derision the losers. 
Drams circulated again, and bets changed hands. Soon the stan- 
chions were filled with wood and the boat underway, much to the de- 
light of the officers, who are always impatient of delays, knowing 
time to be money and a slow steamer worse than an elephant. 



14 SCENES AND SETTLERS OP ALABAMA. 

THE SLAVE CHARACTER. 

The old plantation darkey was easier and better controlled by 
praise and kindness than by the lash and brutality. Masters who 
used the whip less, and rewards more, always obtained the happiest 
results. Their slaves never ran away, nor remained half their time 
hidden in the woods, and the other half recovering from the bites of 
hounds which trailed to cover and brought them to bay, with torn 
skins, if the driver happened not to come up in time. 

Slaves owned by humane masters, which word, I am happy to 
say, qualified most of slave owners of Alabama, were never hounded 
and rarely ever sold, unless from the improvidence and extravagance 
of their younger masters, who, sometimes, through lost horse races 
or unfortunate run of cards, were compelled to sacrifice a few of the 
old family servants upon the block, or in payment of wagers. When- 
ever this occurred, there was as much mourning and wailing on the 
plantation as at a funeral. In the family mansion as well as the 
negro quarters, the dirge went up, white and black mingled their 
tears together in such a reproachful manner, that the young scape- 
grace of a master was glad to go to a neighboring plantation and 
hide away until time healed these wounds of regret and sorrow. 
Whenever a negro was sold from this cause, he invariably brought a 
double price, for the purchaser was assured of a good servant who 
would give him neither trouble or expense and prove a valuable 
investment. 

The old tried ante bellum plantation servant was a good institu- 
tion, and contributed much to cultivate kindness, gentleness and 
affection in the natures of his young white masters and mistresses, 
the children of his owner. He was so loving, humble and self- 
sacrificing, both by nature and culture, he could not fail but inspire 
similar sentiments in the impassionate minds of these young people, 
thrown so much in his way, and so dependent on him for companion- 
ship and service. He was not only their slave, humble, and quick to 
do their bidding, but he was, in addition, a kinsman true. Everj 
unkind word spoken against any of them, in his presence, was re- 
sented as a personal injury. From the cradle of the new-born to the 
death-bed of the old master, he was the unpaid, uncomplaining 
devoted nurse and friend, submitting to all a sick master's whim and 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 1 5 

petulance without resentment or change of conduct, and, at last, 
wept over his grave as genuine a mourner as the nearest white rela- 
tive. I will bear testimony to this statemant by introducing 

DR. SCIPIO. 

A few days after the surrender of our army I arrived home in 
Mobile a paroled prisoner, stripped of everything except clothes and 
a big roll of Confederate money, which was not only useless, but 
worse, because it became a reminder of the great game we had just 
played with human bones for dice and lost. It was, in addition, sug- 
gestive of the impending struggle for daily bread. The planter class 
to which I belonged, had not only lost their slaves, but also the value 
of their land which left them represented by zero minus any business 
capacity. I found family supplies also exhausted, and nothing on 
hand to barter for greenbacks, which were not then in circulation 
among our citizens, because the Federal army had not been in pos- 
session long enough to distribute them for value received. My 
necessities, therefore, were immediate, and required relief within a 
limited period. I walked the streets all day and sought in vain for 
some comrade who, luckier than myself, might temporarily relieve 
my distress. The same familiar faces and companions in arms, with 
whom I had seen and shared so many ups and downs and so many 
hopes and disappointments, passed and repassed, wearing, as I 
thought, the same anxious look I wore. At last, wearied and dis- 
heartened, as a proud man always is when his pockets are empty, I 
started, about ten o'clock at night, homeward, and had gone but a 
few steps with head bowed down, seeing no one, and wrapt in my 
own selfish misery, when a cheerful voice hailed thus: "Ain't you 
glad to be your own master once more, and at peace with all the 
w^orld ? Come, lead to old Asa Holt's, if he still lives, and let us do 
it once more as we did so often before." So we went and did it many 
times as we had done four years before, recalling the while many 
scenes and persons of the past, who had passed down the passages of 
eternity. At last my friend, who had but arrived that day, and sold 
his crop of cotton, successfully hidden away from Yankee raids for 
four years, drew from his side pocket in a reckless way, a huge roll 
of new crisp greenbacks, and demanded his score. The sight fas- 
cinated me ; for a moment I thought Aladdin had scratched his won- 



l6 SCENES AND SETTLERS OK ALABAMA. 

derful lamp for my benefit, or my vision had doubled., looking so 
often through the double Q convex bottoms of Asa's new glasses. 
But a second look, satisfied me the roll was there, heaped upon the 
bar and twisted like a bundle of worthless shoe strings, into such 
shape as only John Barleycorn can twist things. The smallest 
denomination was a five. Despair fled, and hope grew up like mush- 
rooms after a soaking rain. Timidity now strengthened by Dr. 
Holt's invigorating cordial, spoke my situation boldly out without 
hesitation. My friend guessed my purpose before I finished, and 
pushing the whole pile towards me, said : " There, help yourself and 
hush." I modestly extracted a ten. "Go down again; I leave 
to-night at twelve — I hear my boat whistling now. I will take this 
stuff along if there is any left. You can't have another draw, the 
game will be blocked." 

With gratitude and a parting smile, I declined his generosity,, 
and bidding him good-night, once more started home in better spirits 
and renewed hope. All were asleep in the house when I arrived. 
Not wishing to disturb them, I undressed in the parlor and placed 
my clothes upon a sofa, where I sat for several hours thinking over 
what I could do to earn my bread in the future. Like most of my 
class, I was unfitted for the change of the revolution, and I felt I was 
about to have a hard road to travel. Several times while resolving 
these things I thought I heard heavy and suppressed breathing quite 
near, in the same room, but dismissed the impression as caused by 
some restless sleeper. I went to bed, and after a few hours, got up 
and entered the parlor to dress. My clothes and papers were scat- 
tered over the carpet in such confusion as to suggest a liberty from 
any dog. But he was not in the house, and could not have been 
there, the back door being locked. Next I thought of and felt for 
the ten dollar bill. It was gone ! The open window, with a step 
ladder propped against it from the outside, told the tale. 

Again a pauper! From the top round of hope suddenly fallen 
to the bottom round of despair, without a cent and no breakfast in 
the house. I thought of the hungry mouths now unconscious of the 
situation, soon to be supplied — from what, and how? Amid all the 
gloom, a ray of spiteful consolation came as I recalled the heavy 
breathing of the night before, and knew the thief was in the room all 
the time, near enough to touch me. How he must have suffered to 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. i^ 

repress the sneezes and other infirmities of human nature, the long 
weary hours I sat there, his unconscious sentinel. He earned that 
ten dollar bill, and I now forgive him. Should these lines meet his 
eyes they may ease the conscience of a reformed thief, and enable 
him to die in piece. 

But my thoughts quickly returned to the immediate void of 
pocket and pantr3\ I began to realize the humiliation of a broken- 
down gentlemen, of a man accustomed all his days to affluence and 
independence, reduced to beg for bread or its equivalent. I had 
nothing to offer in exchange. 

While imbibing this mental camomile mixture I heard Dr. Scip's 
voice call out to old Caroline, his wife and my servant, to "fotch dat 
clean shii't quick. I's got to go to the horsepittal to visit my patients. 
I's late now." Scip was a root doctor, at least ninety years oldy 
crippled for many years. He lived, at my expense, in an outhouse 
of the yard, and during the war married our .faithful slave, Caroline, 
as old as himself. Gen. Hardee was present at the wedding, which 
took place in the parlor, and gave the blushing bride of sixty years 
away. 

The object of the groom was a support from the white folks and 
service from his wife, both of which he exacted and obtained to the 
fullest extent. 

The Doctor did a little outside ]:)usiness in "3'arbs," roots and rat- 
tle-snake oil, the latter being his cure-all. He was regarded with 
reverence and awe by ignorant whites as well as superstitious negroes, 
and was at times consulted for many mysterious diseases even by a 
better class of citizens. He possessed one trait in common with all 
heroes — self-assertion, and being well read in human nature, never 
failed to pose for, and impose upon its credulity when chance 
afforded. To those who knew, he was as harmless as vain. As soon 
as the Federal medical staff arrived in town, the Doctor paid them a 
professioiTal visit, and ventilated his scientific attainments. The 
staff being overrun with sick white soldiers, placed Doct. Scip in 
charge of the colored troops' hospital at Whistler, where he had been 
for some time without my knowledge. A few moments after, the 
Doctor was dressed and upon the sidewalk in front, laboriously work- 
ing his huge, unwieldy form through the narrow door of a cab which 
awaited him. The faithful Caroline held his crutches and pushed 



l8 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

him behind. As soon as he was seated I came out to ask if he had 
heard an unusual noise in the back yard during the night. 

As soon as Scip saw me he seemed struck with ni}' expression, and 
said: " What's de matter, Mars P.; is you sick? You's mighty 
pale." I commenced to tell of my night's experience, saying I was 
broke and would like to borrow a quarter. I had no hopes of getting 
a cent, but unconciously and hopelessly asked for it. When I began 
the story, an incredulous smile at first crept over his wrinkled face, 
but as I went on rather earnestly, and he began to believe, the smile 
changed and half hardened, like a boy in pain suppressing his tears 
for fear of being called baby. When he fairly understood the 
status — that our positions in the world had changed to the extent that 
the dispenser of favors for so many years was now a beggar to the 
recipient of those favors for one small return — it seemed to hurt him 
like a blow in the face. His countenance set into an expression of 
such genuine tearful sympathy that I felt sorry for myself just as if 
another's misfortunes were told. " Here, you Caline, run back dar, 
fotch dat bag from under de snake skin, quick." Caroline, to whom 
all this was news, heard for the first time, returned in a moment both 
with the bag and moistened eyes. Scip seized it, tremulously untied 
the strings, and emptied five gold dollars into my hand, the entire 
contents, saying: " Take dem all, Mars P. De Federate gubern- 
ment owes me lots, more'n I spec dey'll ever pay. I don't put much 
pendance in dem Yankees no how; dey ain't desame stripe as our 
folks." Then turning to the cabman he cried, "Pat, drive up dem 
old horse, I spects to find some of dem niggers dead when I gets 
dar." 

I thought so, too, when I learned he had given them all rattle- 
snake oil the day before as a cure for chills and fever. 

Even now, after more than twentv years' freedom, freer labor may 
be obtained from the old time slave through flattery and attention 
than by fair compensation according to contract. Former masters 
who are still spared from the wrecks of war and time, and hidden 
away from the world in obscure and humble retreats, unknown and 
poverty-stricken, mere wrecks of past glory, both understand and use 
this kindly weakness of the ancient darkey. Thus they procure many 
little odd jobs done which their failing strength and past education 
prevent them doing for themselves, such as chopping wood or fetch- 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. I9 

ing water from the corner pump. It is done somewhat in this manner : 
" Well, well ; I do declare! Is that you Uncle Ben? The sight of 
you brings back old times. I'm glad to see you. You used to be 
much of a man in your young days. How is it now ; strength failing 
any?" " God bless you, no, Massa or Missis. I'se a better man 
now den dese free niggers. Dey can't stand 'long side me now, if I 
is gwine on eighty years." 

THE "SUN" AGAIN. 

Let us return to the steamer " Sun," where both passengers and 
fun continued to increase by additions of planters and their families 
boarding us at every landing. They were all eager to avail them- 
selves of this new and comparatively expeditious mode of travel com- 
pared with the past, to visit the metropolis of the State, dispose of 
crops, renew stores and business relations, and enjoy the attractions 
of city life from which they had been so long debarred. The French 
colony of Marengo was well represented on board. Many of them 
had left the settlement forever, and were about to revisit their native 
land after so many years of hardships and deprivations in the wilder- 
ness. And yet, withal, their joy was not unmingled with regret at 
leaving behind many dear friends and sincere attachments. Both fun 
and danger attended our trip down the rapid running current, now 
swollen by heavy floods above. There was now scarcely sleeping 
room aiaywhere. Mattresses were spread upon and under the tables 
all along the undivided cabin floor from stem to stern. Narrow pas- 
sage-ways between the rows of shake-downs hardly admitted circula- 
tion without treadmg upon a sleeper or card party held under the 
struggling tallow candle's misty light. Drinks called for b}' the 
outside occupants were passed by hand and frequently consumed 
on the passage, to the amusement of the consumer and disgust of the 
orderer and amid the laughter of the crowd at his curses. Three- 
fourths of the day were spent in renewing the tables for meals, the 
last cover being set for the colored waiters and servants of the plan- 
ters. This was the merriest meal of all. White babies sat and fed 
in the laps of their nurses and joined the general noise and merriment. 
The contrast between these merry little white faces and those of their 
black nurses, resembled dogwood blossoms seen through dark woods 
in spring time. Eating was not their only occupation, but a consid- 



20 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA, 

erable amount of courting was thrown in by way of relish. You 
could hear a colored lady now and then cry out in a voice above the 
general roar: " Stop dat, T tells you !" 

The deck hands below were equally gay with their masters 
above. When not occupied they gathered to the front near the 
jackstaff and sang negro melodies in sweet and musical cadence. 

But it was not always sunshine with our little "Sun." Some- 
times at a sharp bend she took a header on her pilot and went crashing 
through the timber, amid the screams of the women and children. 
Then, again, her wheel picked up a sobby log from the floating drift 
and sent it through her wheel-house with the report of a fourth of 
Julv cannon explosion. Once she struck a sawyer, which is a log 
afloat at one end and buried in the mud at the other. This would 
have ended her trip there and then, had it not fortvinately broken off 
just outside the hull, leaving the hole it made plugged almost water 
tight. After many days, delays and mishaps, the little "Sun" tied 
up at the foot of Dauphin street and delivered her numerous passen- 
gers and valuable cargo amidst the rejoicing of the entire people who 
assembled on the pier to welcome our arrival. 

OLD MOBILE. 

Now I trod for the first time a soil teeming with the romance 
and history of several centuries. The arena of desperate contests 
between the mailed waiTiors of Europe and the natives of this New 
World. Every square mch of ground had been sprinkled with blood, 
the recital of which would fill a history. Three hundred Seminole 
Indians had been driven by the Choctaws in desperate encounter 
down St. Francis street into the river, and killed and drowned to the 
last man. Human skulls perforated with btdlets, are found to this 
day whenever large excavations take place. An old graveyard ex- 
posed its human bones to modern eyesight but two years since while 
digging in front of the Cathedral. The names of some of the 
renowned warriors and desperate adventurers of South Alabama's 
early history, still live in this community through their descendants, 
one of whom, John Soto, inherits the destructive propensities of his 
great ancestor, and sits as Coroner upon dead bodies without other 
compensation than the love of it. 

There is but little doubt that the present site of Mobile was 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 21 

visited by the DeSoto expedition as early as A. D. 1539. On the 
iSth day of October, 1540, the following year, DeSoto attacked and 
destroyed the Mobile Indians at their tovv^n on the north bank of the 
Alabama River, near Choctaw Bluff, seventy-five miles only above 
Mobile. Maubila, the capital and fortified city of this tribe, was 
built upon a wide level plain, and consisted of eighty structures or 
barracks, capable of sheltering one thousand warriors and their fam- 
ilies. These buildings enclosed a capacious square, and were in 
turn surrounded by a high and solid wall composed of huge logs set 
on end deep in the ground, and bound firmly together with grape 
and bamboo vines, which were daubed over with mud, smoothed and 
%vhitened, in good imitation of granite. 

This wall was pierced at regular intervals with port holes, and 
supported every fifty feet apart by tall towers of a capacity for eight 
warriors each. Here the most. desperate fight of the expedition took 
place. The brave Mobilians, led by their great chief, Tuscaloosa, 
disdained at first the protection of their forts, and fought the mailed 
Spaniards outside until near dark, when being driven in by superi- 
ority of arms, continued the contest from house to house, and tower 
to tower, with such tenacity and desperation, that the Spaniards were 
forced to burn the town, much against their will, to end the combat. 
One thousand dead warriors lay in the streets, but a remnant escaped 
the sword and flames to settle later a town below the junction of the 
Alabama and Bigbee Rivers at Fort vStoddard. This proved a dear 
victory to DeSoto — he lost one hundred men and many oflncers, 
among whom was his brother. Forty horses were slain and all the 
camp equipage, including hospital stores, was consumed with the 
town, leaving the Spaniards in a pitiable condition. Their Surgeons 
were compelled to try out the fafof the dead Indians for unguents to 
dress wounds. 

•In A D. i/ii, one hundred and seventy years after this bloody 
battle, the French under Bienville settled here and called the town 
Mobile, after the remnant of the tribe then living at Fort Stoddard, 
about thirty-five nnles higher up the river. The word Mobile signi- 
fies moveable, and is appropriate both to the tribe of Indians and the 
city of Mobile, for both moved their town three times before a final 
settlement. 

Mobile was first located at Dauphin or jNIassacre Island, as it 



22 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

was called. Then at the mouth of Dog River, and finally at its 
present place. The Mobile Indians were found first living in great 
style and advanced civilization, about twenty-five miles above Mont- 
gomery on the Alabama River. Being routed in battle and their 
town destroyed, they followed the course of the river down to 
Choctaw Bluff, and there built the second town. Then again, still 
descending the river after the great battle of Mobile, they finally 
settled at Fort Stoddard, from whence they made frequent excursions 
to the oyster reefs at Cedar Point. They evidently camped and 
ranged all over the country adjacent to the rivers and bay, which 
probably is the origin of the numerous shell banks of small size 
found all along our water-courses. 

DAUPHIN ISLAND. 

Mobile now promises again to return to Dauphin Island by 
extension. A railroad thirty miles long, over a perfectly flat country, 
twice surveyed and partly graded, will reach a seaport on the Island 
deep enough for the largest ship that floats. With Pelican Island to 
the southeast as a natural breakwater, and a short sea wall to the 
south, which could be erected at far less cost than man}^ of the great 
works now complete all over the country, the Great Eastern could 
be loaded from a hoisting machine erected on the beach, and burrow 
her nose in ihe sand. Here the exhaustless and priceless minerals, 
precious woods and vast agricultural products of Alabama, would 
spread a feast for the shipping of the whole world at such rates as to 
defy competition. We would become the coaling station of all 
steamers trading southward along the eastern shores of the great 
American continent ; and froin the West India Islands to Terra del 
Fuego. New Orleans, with her hundred miles of towage, and Pen- 
sacola with her shallow bar and out of the way station, would cease 
forever to compete. This island then becomes at once the greatest 
watering place and health resort in the whole South. The climate is 
mild and genial at all seasons ; neither elevated by intense heat nor 
depressed by cold waves and northers. It is at the same time the 
best fish and oyster market of the world. 

THE MOBILE OYSTER. 

Near anil around Dauphin Island uncountable numbers of natu- 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 23 

ral oyster reefs cluster, and thousands of acres of plant fields stretch — 
shellfish ground — westward along the main shores of the Sound all 
the way to Mississippi line. I 

Let us examine the geographical advantages of oyster land — a 
fairy land of clear sky, blue water and orange-wooded islands, which 
lie isolated and beyond serious competition for vast distances all 
around. Fifteen hundred miles of sandy beaches, barren, of com- 
mercial oyster fields stretch along the Atlantic States from here to the 
waters of Potomac, Chesapeake and Long Island on the northeast, while 
towards the southwest untold leagues of wave-ridden coast glisten 
under torrid sunshine to Terra del Fuego, unblest of the glorious 
bivalve, in such quantities or localities as to come into competition 
with our Mobile trade. 

Thus on middle ground in the southern centre of the States our 
exhaustless oyster mines repose, alone, isolated and unrivalled in 
quality or quantity, and by the natural laws of trade are destined and 
compelled to supply the immense territory stretching north, north- 
west, west and southwest of a line drawn due north from the Gulf of 
Mexico to Herald Island of the Arctic regions, that is, all the country 
between here and there, San Francisco and the end of the South 
American continent. A grand future, a great destiny for the Mobile 
oyster! It is safe to tax every man, woman and child now living 
and to live within this immense space — with consuming ten dollars 
worth of oysters per annum if he can get them, and it is much easier 
for us to furnish them to him fresher and better, than Baltimore, and, 
abov^e all, fifty per cent, cheaper. It is much easier for us to give 
them all our water produce, than for California to flood our cities 
with her luscious grapes and golden fruit in perfect condition and at 
remunerative prices. Why not? 

SEEING SIGHTS A. D. 1S35. 

Upon leaving the festive " Sun " we lodged at a tavern which 
then occupied the present site of Mobile's magnificent hotel, the 
Battle House. This was fifty years ago, in the interval several hotels 
were erected upon the same spot in lieu of those burned, all keeping 
pace with the advancing requirements of the times up to the 
present immense structure, which so far surpasses them all as to stand 
compeer and equal to the best hostelries of New York city. 



24 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

The next day, after arrival and a good night's sleep — the first we 
had enjoyed for ten days — I was permitted to see the sights of Mobile, 
escorted and guarded by my faithful and loving black mammy, Aunt 
Debby. All Southern children and slave owners called older colored 
females aunty, and the men uncle. Debby was charged to keep a 
sharp eye and return me safe back to mother, who let us go with 
many misgivings of the lui-king dangers awaiting her green country 
boy through the mazes of the city. Almost at the start a candy 
shop — near the corner of Royal and Dauphin — arrested us*and took 
in all our pocket money in exchange for a miscellaneous assortment 
of stomachaches and painter's colics concealed in sticks of candy 
streaked and painted a la barber pole. With all pockets crammed, 
and Aunt Debby's apron bellying out like a balloon sail in a squall, 
we camped a square or so farther south under the shade of a huge 
China tree, then standing on the northeast corner of Church and St. 
Emanuel, which a few days after was the scene of a terrible murder 
committed upon an inoffensive pedler who lay there forrest. He was 
cut in twenty different places, literally hacked to pieces and his pack 
robbed. After overhauling and lightening our packages we pro- 
ceeded northward, about three squares, when our way was barred by 
the canvas walls of a circus tent standing on the vacant space, now 
railed around with an iron fence and called Bienville Square, after 
the founder of Mobile. A group of young gamins sported outside of 
the entrance, performing a circus of their own, and trying to get a 
peep inside whenever the curtain opened for mgress or egress. It 
required but a glance of these keen-eyed young sports to see that 
greeny had come to town. They baited a trap and caught me 
speedily. One of them kindly called my attention to a tare in the 
walls of the tent, saying: " Little boy, if you poke your finger through 
that hole and hold it open, you will see sights." Neither my confi- 
fidence in human or woman's nature had been betrayed up to that 
time. Without pausing to consider why this sweet-scented little 
shrub was not a^'ailing himself of this chance to see sights, I imme- 
diately inserted my finger as directed. Instead of seeing sights, I 
saw stars. My finger was instantly seized on the inside with the 
pinch of a king crab, while the clown, painted, patched and seen by 
,me for the first time, rushed put of the tent and flourished a cowhide 
pver my back. But Debby was there, faithful to her trust. Like a 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 25 

tigress she assailed him with teeth and nails so vigorously, that he 
was contented to sulk within his tent without a blow struck. Debby 
then extricated my finger, and charged — holding my hand — through 
the ragamuffin crowd of boys, scattering them, with blows, right and 
left. When we arrived at the hotel, blown and exhausted, from the 
struggle, and told the tale to mother, she threw her arms up and said, 
she " felt it in her bones." 

A MOBILE THEATRE. 

That night, I witnessed for the first time, a \^ay at the Mobile 
Theatre, then located on the west side of St. Emanuel street, between 
Dauphin and Conti, occupied now as a stable. The scenes still 
remains, al fresco, upon memory's fading page. Never since have I 
enjoyed any play to the same extent. 

A boss, armed with a huge bran-stuffed bludgeon, pi'esided over 
a wash-room filled with men and women, washing piles .of dirty 
linen in separate tubs placed upon three-legged benches. Whenever 
the master turned his back, which he often did — as it was in the bill — - 
the washermen doubled upon the washerwomen, hugging, kissing and 
fumbling for true, just as if they enjoyed it. None of your modern 
sneak stage kisses, but real old-fashioned smacks as loud as bursting 
bladders. At this time, of course, the boss turned, caught them in 
the act, and beat the men back to their tubs with tremendous whacks 
across their backs. This was the entire plot, nothing more, and was 
repeated over and over, until it ceased to draw immense bursts of 
laughter. 

Next, by way of farce and closing scene, Mr. Mervnnan sang the 
then new comic song of the Cork Leg, with contortions and screw 
accompaniments. All the " Sun's" passengers were there. Never 
since have I seen such fun nur heard such uproarous laughter. It was 
new to all of them, at least for many years. They all came from the 
wilderness prepared to enjoy even a " reed shaken by the wind,'' and 
took it in for all and more than it was worth. That night a grand 
oyster supper awaited us at the hotel — this was another great treat. 
We had been deprived of the delicious bivalve in the colony because 
they could not stand the slow transportation of the barges, the only 
craft that up to that time polled their weary way backwards to the 
settlement. All the principal citizens of Mobile, including municipal 



26 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

officers, attended that supper. The oysters were floated down in 
genuine champagne imported direct from the Veuve Cliquot estate 
of France. B. Franklin Meslier and John Hurtel, two well known 
French gentlemen and prominent citizens of Mobile, presided, one 
at each end of the table. Mr. Meslier had served under Napoleon, 
and was an unconditional admirer of his great leader. When his turn 
came for a toast, as it did to all present, he arose, filled, both with 
enthusiasm and Veuve Cliquot, gave for toast, " The Grand Napo- 
lean ; the greatest man who ever lived." This was received with 
the wildest delight, and drank standing by the Frenchmen present, 
many of whom had served under the Empire. Now the English 
Consul was called. He arose and steadied himself with difficulty, 
and with great dignity — looking severely at the Frenchmen — gave : 
" The Duke of Wellington ; a greater man than Napoleon." The 
effect of these words were magical. A tornado had passed over that 
table and swept away every smile and glimmer of good feeling in an 
instant. Faces hitherto all radiant with love and enthusiasm, now 
flushed with rage. Mr. Meslier, no longer able to control his passion, 
commenced mounting on top the table and crawling towards the 
Britisher; doubling his fists as he went, he cried: "Ah, Gredin! 
You damn John Bull ; you say Villaintone was so greater man as 
Napoleon — ah, you must swallow him, dose words, or Sacre-re-re-re — " 
rolling his r's with terrible, energy, they would have clinched soon 
in a personal contest had not Mr. Meslier been drawn back to his 
place by main force, and peace restored by the interference of the 
Americans present. The Frenchmen, with their usual generosity, 
seeing the English Consul was under vino Veritas, and unsupported 
in his sentiments by any of the guests present, forgave his imperti- 
nance and passed it over by a return to former conviviality. Our 
fathers painted Mobile red that night A. D. 1835. A procession was 
formed, headed by a band of music, which halted at every house, 
until Frenchman, Spanish man, Creole man, nigger man, and Indian 
man became so mixed up with the widow Cliquot, they could no 
longer distinguish one man from any other man or woman either. 

SPRING HILL. 

About this time, A. D. 1835, we established our persons and 
penates in a comfortable country house at Spring Hill, and became 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 27 

members of that charming colony. This village lies six miles west of 
Mobile, and crowns a plateau several hundred feet high. Many 
handsome dwellings and well cultivated grounds redolent of flowers 
and variegated greeneries peep through the oaks and tall pines which 
spread their green glistening foliage high above the city, which, when 
seen on a clear day, though a long distance off, seems to repose and 
nestle at the foot of the hill. 

Called Spring Hill, from welling fountains that gush from its 
base as though pressed out by the superincumbent weight above, it 
supplies Mobile with the pure water for which it is most renowned of 
all Southern cities, and which undoubtedly is one of the causes of the 
remarkable longevity of her people, many of whom are over seventy 
years of age, and still actively engaged in consuming and earning their 
daily rations. Spring Hill then, as it is now, was called the habitat 
of Hygiene and a foe to Malaria. Based upon this reputation, so 
long and well sustained, a large building devoted to educational pur- 
poses was erected by the Roman Catholic Church, called Spring Hill 
College. This institution soon filled with students from both the adja- 
cent States and the West India Islands to more than its capacity, which 
necessitated an additional annex. For the same reason — health — the 
vacations were reversed, being held in winter instead of summer, that 
a refuge from sickness as well as a school for education might be 
combined: 

This college is still in successful operation, having realized all 
that was expected after an experience of many years. The manage- 
ment and faculty of Spring Hill College are considered among the 
higher order, and fully competent for their task. I speak of this old 
time institution with pleasure, because it was the home of my 
boyhood's first training, A. D. 1836, and but few of us are spared to 
recall those early days when we broke each other's legs over shinney 
and cheval fondue. The .Spring Hillers were either merchants doing 
business in the city or non-resident planters, who left their planta- 
tions to the care of overseers, and sought the comforts and social 
advantages afforded by this attractive locality. I will now allude 
briefly and personally to some of the residents and their visitors. 

MICHAEL PORTIER, MONSIGNOR, 

Or Monseigneur, as the Creoles loved to call him. was both founder 



28 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

and President of Spring Hill College and Bishop ot this Diocese. 
His duties were divided between Mobile and the College. Hence, 
he spent part of his time at each place. He was a welcome guest at 
every home and table on the Hill, and his visits gave both cause and 
reward for the hospitality that followed his coming. Monseigneur 
was a Christian gentleman of liberal views and unbounded charity 
for the failures and faults of his fellow creatures. A native of the 
vine-clad hills of France, he was a competent and appreciative judge 
of their purple extract — which he used but never abused. His taste 
M^as sought upon the tap of every new importation, which, when 
given, fixed the quality and the status of the wine with the commu- 
nity. Short of statue, rotund of figure, with massive head, full, 
round, benevolent face, and eyes twinkling with good humor, he 
never failed to attract attention and to interest all who came within 
the radius of his genial presence. When the Bishop visited the 
college — and we boys bfecame aware of his presence, which he 
endeavored to conceal by slipping in through the rear entrance— 
we immediately collected under his window and raised pandemonium, 
by shouting in concert Deo Gratias, Deo Gratias, which in 
free translation meant, "Give us a chance to praise the Lord for a 
recess." Overcome by the fearful din of several hundred voices, he 
would step out upon the front gallery and wave his hand for a truce, 
then say in French: "Ainsi soit it" — so let it be. X^iis was fol- 
lowed by a scamper all over the campus, and resumption of the 
numerous games with which boys amuse themselves. Every one 
knew when the Bishop was about by his laugh, so loud and mirthful 
that, like an epidemic, it seized upon all who heard. With all this 
good nature and love of mankind, the Bishop was a dangerous person 
to force impertinent liberties upon. He would and did strike from 
the shoulder on several occasions when forbearance ceased to be a 
virtue, with a force that caused his opponent to be aware forever after. 

.THE CATHEDRAL, 

Which rears its lofty walls high above most of the public buildings of 
Mobile, now nearly completed, was planned and commenced by 
Bishop Portier with no other means than his personal popularity. 
Catholics and Protestants alike, regardless of sect, opened their 
pocket-books to the pressing solicitations of Monseigneur whenever 



, SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 29 

he made requisitions for that purpose. His remains repose on one 
side of the beautiful alter raised and dedicated by his labors to the 
worship of his Creator, while betvveen the entrance ways outside in 
front, rest the ashes of his successor, Bishop Quinlan, who also 
devoted many of his days to completing a temple which is both a .tomb 
and a monument of the deeds done in the name of their Lord. Here, 

Free by p;iiu's surcease, 
Botli repose in peace. 

The following letter, copied from Col. Joseph E. Murrell's valua- 
ble scrap-book, was written A. D. 1839, ^^ Bishop Portier by 
Burvvell Boykin, of the firm of McRae and Boykin, and under the 

name of "Protestant." 

* 

It was called forth by the admiration of the entire community, 
and the writer particularly, for the Bishop's noble care of the sick 
and afflicted during a terrible yellow fever epidemic, wherein he had 
exposed both his person and his purse regardless of consequences : 

"Mobile, 

'' Reverend Bishop Portier : 

" The good man, no matter in what clime he lives, and what 
church he worships, or to what creed he belongs, is one of the noblest 
specimens of God's handiwork. You, Reverend sir, have been 
living among us long, performing in an enlarged and Christian spirit 
the high sacred functions of the head of a great Church. With no 
proscriptive bigotry at the bottom of your religious faith, you have 
recognized toleration in those who conscientiously dissented from you 
in their convictions, and hence one of the causes of the high estimate in 
which you are held by all Protestants. The holy robes that encom- 
pass you as a man, cover you as a true Catholic, are without ' blot or 
blemish.' When this is the case, the individual character of the man 
becomes a component element of his church, and the harmonious 
blending of the two inspires confidence and advances the cause of 
piety. Purity of character, sincerity of purpose and devotional 
earnestness, irrespective of any particular sect, will, among the liberal- 
minded of all sects, command respect and challenge confidence. 
When a good man is seen in the midst of pestilence exerting himself 
to relieve the necessitous, and, forgetful of his own safety, periling his 
life in order that he may save the lives of others, he makes a lodgment 



30 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

for himself in the affections of the people among whom he lives. 
When he is seen gathering under the wing of his protection the des- 
titute, and administering to their wants and comforts, we witness the 
fruits of his labor and the sincerity of his sacred vocation. When 
the helpless widow and the unprotected orphan look to him as their 
benefactor, and call him father and are taken to his bosom as their 
adopted father, then we see the beauties of a Christian life illustrated 
in a form not to be mistaken. When we see a church or the head of 
a church ardently engaged in good works, its own acts are its best 
commentaries and ablest defenders. You, Reverend sir, have ^one 
much toward the relief of suffering humanity, and deserve well of 
this community. You have, by your talent, energy and persever- 
ance, erected in the heart of our city a temple dedicated to the livfng 
God. As long as it survives the shock of time, it will be a monu- 
ment to your memory, and when it slumbers among the things that 
were, history or tradition will point to you as its founder. As an 
ornament to our city, it is the admiration of and praise of our people. 
" The writer of this is a Protestant in principle and by educa- 
tion, but he can see, or thinks he sees, other avenues to the throne of 
our Heavenly Father, besides the one he has been taught to enter. 
Hope, Faith and Charity are the pillars of the temple in which he 
worships, and around that altar there is but one God and one duty. 

"A Protestant." 

' McCLOSKY AND HAG AN. 

Mr. McClosky settled in Mobile as early as A. D. i8i5, and 
soon after became associated in business with John Hagan, forming 
the widely known firm of McClosky and Hagan, cotton buyers and 
importers of fine wines, etc. Messrs. McClosky and John Hagan 
were both noted for a high order of business capacity and enlarged 
generosity. 

Both were bon-vivants, and so often participated in Spring Hill 
hospitality that I am induced to mention them as part of that famous 
colony. This house did the largest business in Mobile in buying 
cotton, shipping and importing. John Hagan was uncle to Gen. 
James Hagan, now living in Mobile, the survivor of two great wars — 
the Mexican and the late civil war. Distinguished in both for gal- 
lantry of the highest order, he won his spurs as Brigadier General 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 3 1 

in the latter. Long may he live to wear them, and be rewarded ere 
long by a grateful people. 

GEORGE S. GAINES. 

Busy memory now recalling fifty years of the past, remembers 
no better man than George S. Gaines. He was our neighbor and 
friend, and also the friend of all the world. The latch of his door did 
not open from the outside, because there was no latch there. It 
stood open all the time to both friends and strangers. 

George was a younger brother of General Edmund P. Gaines, 
who, distinguished for gallantry in the Indian wars, late in life mar- 
ried Miss Myra Clarke, heiress to the greatest estate and lawsuit of 
tfie country. This suit, after many decisions and reversals, still goes 
on in spite of both claimants being dead. 

George, when quite a young man, was appointed Indian Agent 
for all the peaceful tribes of Alabama, and was so loved, reverenced 
and respected by them that they never undertook the commonest 
transaction of every day life without first securing his advice, which 
was always disinterested and reliable. If he had enemies they knew 
it not, his friends surmising the fact from his retinence and silence at the 
mention of their names. He never refused a favor. His name went 
upon other people's notes so often — notes in which he had no personal 
interest — that his friends refused to discount them, although perfectly 
merchantable, to protect him from self-ruin. No man, high or low, 
was refused a place at his table, or the shelter of his roof. His house 
and time were considered public property^ and his good nature fre- 
quently imposed upon. Mr. Gaines' memory was a storehouse of 
• early reminiscences, which he knew how to tell with great interest to 
his listeners. I will repeat his account of a first interview with 

AARON BURR. 

Lieutenant E. P. Gaines, afterwards General Gaines, was at this 
' time in command of Fort Stoddard, on the Mobile River, about thirty 

miles above the city. George, then quite a youth, was clerk in the 

sutler's department, and roomed in the officer's quarters of the fort. 

One night, being seized with violent colic, he groaned aloud, when a 
' door shutting off an adjoining room opened, and a man of large 

statue, ample head, and benevolent countenance entered, approached 



32 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

his bed, and gently taking his hand, enquired of his suffering. Being 
told, he returned to his trunk in the next room and brought a vial of 
laudanum, a few drops of which soon relieved the pain. The stranger 
then spoke, saying: "I am Aaron Burr and a prisoner here, captured 
yesterday while going to Mobile. As soon as I can have a hearings 
the infamous charges trumped up against me will fail. In the mean- 
time, while compelled to remain within these walls, let us try to 
make our time pass as pleasantly as possible." Mr. Gaines said he 
was delighted with his affable manners, and cultivated his society 
until taken away. 

In 1S34, while Mr. Gaines was Indian Agent at Demopolis — (the 
metropolis of the French colony of Marengo) — a Frenchman by the 
name of Genin, had succeeded in raising some very fine pears, the 
first grown in the settlement. He was very proud of them, and 
exhibited them to everybody, and guarded them with the greatest 
care, even sitting up at night to protect them from marauders. 

One night he saw a drunken Indian by the name of Bobshilla 
o-etting over his enclosure. He emptied his gun into the Indian while 
astride of the fence, and saw him fall on the outside into the street,, 
then retired without going to see the effect of his shot. The next 
morning Bobshilla was found dead in the streets partially eaten up 
by hogs. The Indians immediately declared a vendetta, applying 
the Mosaic law of eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. As Mr. Genin 
had escaped in a pirogue down the river, and was no longer there to 
pay the death penalty in person, they determined to apply the statute 
to the entire white settlement. This was agreed upon in secret 
council, and was to be executed a few nights later. But their rever- 
ence for the white father, Mr. Gaines, induced them to spare his life. 
One day, while Pushmataha, the Chief of the tribe — a greedy, 
drunken, good-natured Indian — was dining with Mr. Gaines, and 
being at the time considerably under the influence of fire water, im* 
parted the information with many charges of secrecy. This was more 
than Mr. Gaines could stand. He immediately sought out Basil 
Meslier, a French colonist, also held in high esteem by the Indians, 
and they decided to call the Chiefs in council and remonstrate with 
them. This was done, and through the confidence and love of the 
tribes for these two men, the colony was spared from massacre and 
destruction. 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 33 

But while the negotiations were pending between George S. 
Gaines, Basil F. Meslier and Pushmataha and his council, the news 
leaked out among the colony and created the greatest consternation. 
Many locked themselves indoors and prepared for resistance. No 
one was seen on the streets until the favorable result of the conference 
was known. 

Two charming daughters survive Mr. Gaines, Mrs. Bullock, a 
widow and grandmother, and Miss Mary Gaines, still single through 
choice, and now living at the family homestead near State Line. 
Both these ladies are loved by all who know them, including the 
writer. 

MONSIEUR ADOLPH BATRE, 

A French gentleman of cultivated tastes — still represented by de- 
scendants of the same ilk — was a member of the Spring Hill colony, 
noted for social qualities and epicurean entertainments. Both his 
wines and viands elicited the admiration and envy of their numei'ous 
consumers. I remember an occasion of a family birthday a huge 
pate de foie gras made to order in France arrived, and all the Hillites 
were invited to discuss its glories. The pate, a perfect monster, 
weighed at least fifteen pounds, and covered the centre of the table. 
Being decorated with fleur-de-lis and encircled by the whitest of 
damask napkins, it was at once the focus of all eyes, the piece de 
resistance, and the honored stranger whose arrival we had met to 
celebrate. 

After various courses and services, commencing with six oysters 
on the half shell with a piece of lemon, followed by soup and several 
varieties of fish, each course being driven down by its own peculiar 
wine — came the pate de foie gras. This was Mr. Batre's opportu- 
nity, being a good talker, he loved to dwell minutely and long over 
good things, of which there was no better judge in the land. He 
arose, knife and spoon in hand, and commenced such an appetizing 
and unctious description of the pate as aroused the hunger of his 
guests beyond control. They could no longer wait, and cut his 
speech short by crying out: "Allons, Adolph, finissez done nous 
mourrons de faim" — Stop! Adolph, or we die of hunger. To 
which Bishop Portier added: "Spare us now, Cher Adolph, and I'll 



34 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 



call for the balance when I am asleep." Mr. Batre good naturedljr 
took the hint, and gave us the best dinner I ever ate. 

COL. JAMES S. DEAS. 

Was another most agreeable neighbor and cultivated gentleman of 
the old South Carolina Engfish stock, w^ho, with his charming wife, 
lived to raise a numerous family of sons and daughters, as successful, 
respected and honored as themselves. Mr. Deas, when complimented 
upon the vigor of his constitution and the number of his years, vs^as 
wont to say, jestingly, that the disastrous results of the war to his 
property compelled him to move about so lively from place to 
place, and so often, that the Lord did not know where to put his 
finger on him, hence his longevity. 

MONSIEUR DeVENDEL, 

A French gentleman of culture and, good descent, with a large and 
accomplished family, contributed no small quota to the charms of 
Spring Hill society. I remember my first visit to M. DeVendel. I 
was sent by my family to enquire of his health. Being directed to 
his room to deliver my message, I found him suffering great agony 
from an attack of gout in the foot. 

,He was a tall, refined looking old grey-haired gentleman of very 
marked and expressive features, which, naturally pleasant, at this 
time expressed great pain. At each turn of gout's screw he uttered 
a tonnerer-r-re, rolling and accentuating the r's until I trembled for 
my safety, which seeing, he controlled himself and spoke pleasantly 
and reassuringly. I know now, from experience, how he suffered. 
I have been there since. 

Several agreeable daughters survive their father, one of whom, 
Madame Adelaide deV. Chaudron, is well and favorably known in 
the literary world — being both a successful writer and translator. 

FREDERIC P. RAVESIES 

Was one of the earliest settlers of the Marengo-county Colony, and 
President of the association for the culture of the olive and vine. 
His report to the Interior Department at Washington of the progress, 
difficulties and failures of the company, are exceedingly able and 
interesting. Mr. Ravesies founded and named the village of Areola, 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 35 

on the Warrior River, after Napoleon's famous battle of that name. 
He remained after nearly all the French refugees returned home, and 
was the most successful planter of the colony. In the year A. D. 
1835, he moved to Spring Hill, and was elected President of the 
Cedar Point Railroad, which promises now to be completed many 
years after his death. Air. Ravesies held several other positions of 
honor and trust which were always .thrust upon him against his will. 
He leaves behind him a name for his descendants to be proud of. 

ARCHIBALD BROWN, 

A prominent member of the Spring Hill settlement, was one of our 
most successful and respected citizens. His house was a centre of 
unbounded hospitality, and contributed greatly to the enjoyment of 
Spring Hill circle. Several sons, two of whom were college mates 
at Sprihg Hill, now live in Mobile, well known and respected as was 
their father before them. 

Many of our oldest and best people lived at Spring Hill at this 
time, whose names are as familiar to the present generation as house- 
hold words — such as: The Spans, Mrs. Edward George, Mrs. 
Achille George, the Chaudrons, Cluis, George Tuthill, Albert 
Stein, and later, the Dawsons, Roger Stewart, Robert Purvis, Hilton, 
Chas. A. Marston, Jos. McMillan, Madame and Jules Eslava, and 
others whose names escape memor3^ 

Perhaps, now because I have changed, and grown somewhat 
weary under the weight of accumulated years, is the reason I seem to 
think the people of this generation lack the gayety and ring of social 
enjoyment which characterized Mobilians in ante bellum times. If 
so it be that this change alone rests within — then I beg pardon for 
the insinuation, but I cannot help going fondly back through dream- 
land to those merry, genial faces, and open hospitable boards of 
fifty years ago, and up to the war even, when guests came so 
warmly welcomed and went so genuinely regretted, that I still, 
through the imagination, rock myself to sleep in the swinging ham- 
mocks of those dolce far niente days once more, and am at rest for 
the moment. ^ 

The older I grow the more firmly am I convinced that those 
nations which, like restless individuals, turn things over by revolu- 
tion, in the vain hope of obtaining a universal democracy, succeed 



36 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

only in reaching universal chaos. The worst revolution is evolution, 
because it evolves only disbelief and despair. 

A MOBILE VENDETTA. 

About this time a bitter feud arose between Gen. B. and Col. H., 
two prominent and respectable citizens, who loved anybody except 
each other. Both were in the prime of life, and fine specimens of 
manhood. They hated and fought with a cordiality and intensity 
that promised to involve half the city in civil strife. Whenever Col. 
H. was seen coming down the street everybody looked up for Gen. 
B., and immediately closed doors to avoid stray bullets if he was in 
sight. Both commenced drawing their derringers as they approached, 
and fired at range, then rushing upon each other, used knives or fists, 
just as they happened to be heeled, and never parted until torn asun- 
der by bystanders, wounded and bleeding or exhaused by physical 
over-exertion. I was an unwilling witness of one of these rencontres, 
which I will endeavor to describe. While undressing upon the bulk- 
head at the foot of Conti street with several gamins of my own age, 
previous to a plunge in the river, Col. H. pulled up in a boat from a 
fishing excursion and made fast to our wharf. As he started up 
Conti street Gen. B. stepped out of an oyster shed at hand, where he 
had been enjoying a dozen or so raw. They met face to face, as sud- 
den as unexpected. Their faces naturally amiable and then smiling, 
changed as only hate can change. Simultaneously, as with one 
motion, they felt for their shooters. As they did so we boys, know- 
ing what was coming, went over cachuck into the river, like frogs 
disturbed leaping from the banks of a pond. As we could not remain 
under water forever, and curiosity mastering fear, we crawled up and 
took in the fearful struggle for life or death going on between these 
two men. They had emptied their pistols and were down on the 
wharf, rolling over and over, nearly stripped of clothing, striking 
their bloody knives at and into each other, hitting and missing as 
chance afforded. Their blood, heated by the strife, spirted in jets 
from each successful plunge of the knife, until weakened and fainting 
they lay locked in each other's arms motionless and peaceful, like 
two brothers sleeping in love and good will. Thus they remained 
until some deck hands passing, parted and carried them up town to 
have their wounds dressed. Though fearfully injured, after several 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 37 

months they were out again and ready for the next bout, when Gen. 
B. was unexpectedly called to take possession of a large plantation 
bequeathed to him in Texas, and moved there with his family. Col. 
H., being absent from town at the time of the General's departure, 
received from him the following P. P. C. : 

^'My Dear Colonel : 

"Please accept my sincere regrets for being compelled to go with- 
out a parting grip of the hand. 

"Some future day, I sincerely trust, will renew our delightfully 
tete-a-tetes. Yours, in life as in death, J. B." 

A few months after Gen. B.'s departure, Cof. H. grew listless 
and despondent. Upon being questioned as to the cause, he replied: 
" I don't know what is the matter, but I take no interest in life since 
B. left. I feel like breaking up here and settling down in his neigh- 
borhood." 

FLUSH DAYS OF MOBILE. 

Up to the war Mobile had but one staple — cotton, which was the 
"end all and be all " of her traffic ; but that was enough, more than 
enough to supply all wants and realize many luxuries for her people, 
who were as gay and festive a set as could be found between sunrise 
and sunset. With a population of twenty-five thousand, and one-half 
floating, she classed third in export of the great cities of the Union. 
Everything Mobile consumed was imported. With coal, iron and 
marble bursting through the cracks of the laboring hills at her thres- 
hold, she went across the vexed Atlantic, three thousand miles, to 
Newcastle and Liverpool, for her bituminous fires at fifteen dollars 
per ton ; to Manchester and Birmingham for rolling stock and rails ; 
and to Italy for the marble tablets which recorded the deeds of her 
dead. Even her cotton buyers were imported from England, France 
and Germany. (No wonder she was in favor of free trade, for these 
foreigners were a gallant set of men.) They came like birds of pas- 
sage with the earliest frost and fed fat upon wild celery and other 
spice berries in the season of their maturity, not greedily and vora- 
ciously, as some of the half-bred official cormorants of these days, 
but always willing to leave some pickings behind for the native stay- 
at-home, like courteous gentlemen as they were. At the end of the 



38 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

season, as the great white staple wasted away to the eastward before 
favoring blasts and in American bottoms, they, too, shook their 
wings for a flight across the great waters and departed as the sun's 
rays became vertical, regretted by their friends and longed for by 
their employees. Our permanent population were parasites to these 
princely cotton buyers, and vegetated during their absence at the ad- 
jacent watering places, consoling themselves with French Cognac, 
Dexter Whiskey, Havana Cigars and Draw Poker, using due bills in 
settlement of accounts, payable when the cotton season opened. 
Hotel and other accounts were payable upon similar terms. At the 
earliest appearance of welcome frost in the fall, Mobile woke up to 
life and shook off the dreamy summer hours. Her tall press chim- 
neys poured out dense volumes of black smoke. The life of com- 
pressed steam expired with short periodical groans. The noisy drays, 
laden with cotton bales, and empty, rattled between ship and press. 
The gay and gallant brokers, decked in one-hundred-dollar suits, 
covered with adhesive cotton, emblematic of their pursuit, rushed 
from class-room to class-room and from bar-room to bar-room, trans- 
acting business with equal rapidity at both places, as often receiving 
an order for hundreds of dollars of commissions at one as at the 
other. Thus the winter business rattled away like sleigh bells on a 
frosty morning. Work was a courtesy and a pleasure. The night 
brought balls, theatres and supper parties ; the days, buying, weigh- 
ing and sampling, both cotton and liquors. Hence no class was in- 
terested in developing the numerous and vast resources strewn around 
everywhere by Nature's bounteous hand. Cotton yielded employ- 
ment to everybody, supplied all wants with four months' work out of 
twelve, and provided amply for those eight months of idleness. What 
the spendthrift could not make he could borrow, and everybody took 
in the stranger free of charge. Is it a wonder[then, that Mobile, like 
a slothful mother, slept late in the morning and failed to wake up her 
giant progeny — Coal, Iron and Marble — to the great future locked 
up in their dormant faculties, at least for wealth, if not always for 
happiness? All this time nothing was done for Hygiene ; the laws of 
health were not thought of ; quarantines against epidemics were 
almost unknown, and the appropriations so meagre as to express con- 
tempt and disbelief in their efliciency ; nor were they deemed neces- 
sary. With the summer solstice and the melting away of cotton east- 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 39 

ward bound, the merchants departed for home, the well-to-do natives 
retired a few miles out of town to suburban homes or adjacent water- 
ing places, while the negro and creole population, who remained, 
were considered comparatively acclimated. But now, as the French 
say after one of their Parisian barricades, ^' Nous avons change tout 
cela." The war changed all this thing, and new Mobile is awake in 
the modern commercial sense of the word — her limbs are clad in steel 
for the great work before her. During and since the war, by twenty 
effective years' quarantine against her only enemy — yellow fever — 
she has proved him to be an alien and not a native, and that he can 
be barred out like an old-fashioned schoolmaster when a holiday was 
wanted by his pupils. Her people have become residents and owners 
of their penates. New buildings in great numbers are rising up on 
her waste lots, and though she possesses neither Jay Goulds nor Van- 
derbilts among her people, beggars are unknown upon her thorough- 
fares and streets. Although froin the leaven of her old-time luxuries 
she has permitted a part of her cotton crop to be cut off by transverse 
lines, she has filled the vacuum with new material. Her vegetable 
trade — the birth of only a few years — is striding rapidly to full growth 
and great promise ; her precious woods begin to float down her 
streams ; giant powder has rent the pregnant hills of exhaustless mar- 
ble quarries, and she is stretching her iron highway, slowly, it is true, 
from the want of capital, but surely, to the great yawning shafts of 
her iron-covered and limitless coal fields lying near her deep-rolling 
rivers. 

MOBILE SPORTS— DUCKING. 

Between Mobile and the eastern shore, ten miles or more across 
as the crow flies, four rivers and many bayous pour their contributory 
tides into one broad bay, forming near their embouchures long, shal- 
low flats, alluvial and fertile muck deposits and semi-circular and 
expansive bays, which are par excellence the pasturages and resting 
grounds of countless millions of wing-weary and hungry flights of 
ducks and other birds of passage from the breeding haunts of the 
North Pole to the Antartic regions of the extreme South. Here 
bounteous nature has furnished a temporary duck paradise, and grows 
for them an abundant and inexhaustible feast of wild celery and other 
duck weeds and grasses, excelling in quantity and flavor the far-famed 



40 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

flats of grand old Chesapeake bay, where I lingered and loitered and 
shot away so many idle days of early youth. 

All over and around these broad-sheeted horseshoe shallows and 
semi-circular bayous, untold flocks and wedge-shaped flights of ducks 
rest, sport, feed and flutter their gorgeous plumage in the genial 
Southern sunshine, while acres of poule d'eaux darken the surface 
of these prolific water fields, where they repose and nurse their 
strength for the countless miles of weary wastes which stretch between 
them and a return to the land of their birth in the Arctic regions. 
Of these flocks many come, and few return ; they perish by the way 
in uncomputed numbers ; enemies and snares beset and follow them 
from the start to the end of their flight in search of better feeding 
grounds and more congenial climes. They have neither rest nor 
peace until they have returned a mere remnant to the ice-bound, im- 
penetrable regions of their birth. Here man does not harm them ; 
God has barred his way with the eternal ice-berg. 

Before dawn, on one of those mild, genial mid-winter days of 
which our climate is so wanton, the duck hunter places his decoys at 
convenient range, and steals his light skiff with muffled oars into one 
of the numerous reed blinds growing all over the enchanted bays, 
wherever they are once planted, and waits for daylight, and watches 
for his game. Perhaps as soon as red Aurora gilds the polished gates 
of the east, a huge and darkening flight of ducks descend to his 
painted snares and illusions with loud roar of wings and great splash 
of waters, almost within reach of gun muzzle. 

Then, with bated breath and eyes peering through the slightly 
parted reeds, his right hand convulsively clutching a No. lo calibre 
smooth-bore Greener, his left pressing down the eager head of his 
retriever — certain of his victories — if he be a true sportsman, he will 
pause and wait long, watching and enjoying the ways and sports of 
these gorgeous passengers of the Arctic circle. 

They soon lash and churn the shallow waters into foam with 
feeding, pursuing and diving, sometimes tails up and heads down, 
then heads up and tails down, imparting a life-like motion to these 
painted images, which renders it impossible to distinguish duck from 
decoy or decoy from duck. For a time you cease to be a sportsman 
and become a naturalist, an Audubon, all thoughts absorbed in the 
study of the ways of these gox'geous visitors. You begin to draw 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 41 

comparisons, and soon find a wonderful degree of human nature 
among them. The canvas backs and red necks, being the largest and 
strongest, at once assert the doctiune of might to be right, and become 
outright robbers of their weaker associates. They seem to work or 
dive for food, and snatch it away from the bills of the divers, as they 
rise to the surface, not without loud quacking protests and futile 
resistance from the robbed. They vary their labors and amuse- 
ments — some feed and chase each other around with water-beating 
wings, half flying and half swimming ; others, whose appetites are 
appeased, stand high out of the water upon the shallow bars, and 
pick and wash, and smooth their white breasts and ruffled feathers, 
like a city belle will primp before her looking-glass at the expected 
visit of her dude. Then nodding and bending their heads close to- 
gether they utter a low monotone gabble^ as if imparting love secrets 
which they do not wish eavesdroppers to overhear. Perhaps whis- 
pering tales of love, and recording vows and promises to be kept or 
broken even according to the ways of men and women of society. 
Suddenly and rudely your reveries are broken, and dreams vanished 
by the stunning report of some unsentimental market-ducker's gun in 
^n unseen and proximate blind. Sentiment flies away ; the tiger of 
your nature replaces it, the spirit of slaughter is ripe, both barrels are 
quickly emptied into the startled and rising flock, the second gun re- 
peating the leaden hail, and cartridges placed for a third charge if 
possible ! Instantly the surface of the previously placid lake is 
changed and strewn with white down, flying feathers, dead ducks and 
winged cripples swimming for dear life to the refuge of tangled grass 
and pursued fiercely by the retriever, eager to capture before the 
victims have found cover. 

Now from blind to blind and from point to point, all over and 
around the murderous circle, huge duck guns belch forth sulphurous 
fires and thunderous volleys, re-echoing and reverberating up and 
down the numerous water channels of the marshes like the roar of a 
great battle. The air is filled with floating feathers and falling 
victims, tumbling down and down, heels over head, with loud splash 
and heavy thud, upon the rufiled waters. The volleys continue until 
the wild and circling flocks change their course, and fly straight out 
into the open waters of the bay, where no longer treacherous blinds 
can conceal murderous fires, and where they can see the approach of 



42 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

pursuing boats. When this happens the duckers know their sport is 
closed for the day, and as the distant taps of the town clock announce 
the lengthening hours of coming long winter nights, they push out 
their little white-sailed skiffs from their hiding places, and soon cover 
the broad shallow lakes, with cleaving bows, duck laden and home- 
ward bound. Then ensues a regatta and race for the city wharves, 
not more than one or two miles distant. Trophies of the day's sport 
are held up, shown and shaken at passing boats, ticklers are drained 
of the last drop, and thrown overboard in disgust. The wharves are 
soon reached, the boats unladen, and shimmering displays of gorgeous 
feathers made to the admiring eyes of loitering citizens, many of 
whom are awarded a pair of the juicy canvas backs, and give in return 
an invitation to be present when the celery, jelly and champagne are 
added to the cunning of the cook ! 

In the height of ducking season, twenty pair to each skilled shot 
is not an unusual day's sport, and, that, too, in plain sight of the 
Battle House and Theatre, and within hearing of the business roar 
attending a commercial town of forty thousand people. 

Visiting sportsmen, with letters of introduction to any of the 
members of our Gulf City Gun Club, will be treated to a trial of this 
glorious sport, and return in time to transact business on the same 
day. 

CALINETTE. 

[From the French.] 

Aged ten years, pale and delicate, with sparkling eyes, a tender 
flower grown amid the stone walls of Paris ; she assisted her grand- 
mother to keep shop adjoining the news-stand at the great railroad 
depot. They sold little articles pertaining to smokers — pipes, and 
cigar stems and holders, &c. More than once, while awaiting my 
train, I gabbled with the two women, and learned them to be not only 
poor, but very poor. The girl, orphaned from infancy, was raised 
by the grandmother, who adored her. I knew also she was called 
Calinette — a name born of grace and tenderness, and as sweet as the 
bearer. 

The other day, while in the waiting-room, I saw the old grandma 
alone, and draped in mourning. I foretold a misfortune, and ques- 
tioned her anxiously. "Ah! sir, a sad story, my heart is broken. 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 43 

Poor little darling, so good, so sweet ; one of God's stray sunbeams 
sent to brighten the gloom of my life gone out. She never was 
strong. Her mother, my daughter, who died to give her birth, was 
not much stronger. She, too, was all imagination and nerves. Thus 
it is not strange Calinette took after her. Well, how it came about, 
I cannot tell, perhaps through the indiscretion of a neighbor, that 
caused Dr. Millot, the great surgeon who lives across the street, and 
is so benevolent to the miserable, to pay us a visit one morning early, 
just as we were going to the shop. His winning face all smiles, and 
long -white hair and beard flowing, and eyes were so full of good- 
ness that we felt as if an old friend had come, instead of a stran- 
ger on a first visit. ' Well, madame,' he said, ' it seems our little one 
is not well, do let me see what's the matter?' Of course he could, 
and thank God, too, for I thought his very touch must cure. Well, 
he felt her heart, and breast and back, and placed his head down 
close to the little body, and turned her about, and no more begrudged 
his precious time than if Calinette had been a great lady. At last he 
looked at me, and said : ' There's nothing serious the matter. She 
is haunted by some fancy or she longs for something she cannot get. 
Come, my child, tell me what it is?' ' There is no use to tell, Doctor, 
because I never, never can be gratified.' 'Nevertheless, tell, my child, 
tell; all the same, and we will see about that afterwards.' 'Oh! 
well, then. Doctor, I would so like, that is, I have so longed, but — 
do all those people who travel in the trains go far, very far away? ' 
'That depends — some stop at the first station in the suburbs.' ' Oh! 
but farther, those who go much farther without stopping? ' ' If they 
don't stop they reach the sea.' 'The sea!' she said, and started 
from her chair with both hands clasped, as in ecstacy. ' Ah, we 
know now,' said the Doctor, laughing; 'well, I will see the 
superintendent and beg a month's leave of absence for both and 
free passes besides. You'll permit me, madame,' he said, as he 
placed two bills of one hundred francs each upon the table ; ' you 
musn't object, you'll pay me back after a while. It is only a loan ; 
she wants to see the sea, the little one. Well, well, she shall see the 
sea.' Before I could refuse the money, he had gone and closed the 
door behind him like a thief. Two hours after, both the leave of 
absence and passes came, and we decided to start by the morning's 
train. Calinette never slept, her tongue rattled all night. While I 



44 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

held her rather feverish hand, she said: 'You see now, Gran', you 
can't, you never can tell, no, not in years, how happy I am to-night. 
Whenever a train rolls out of our station, my heart swells and goes with 
it, particularly when they go to Trouville by the sea, for then, they are 
crowded with young and happy girls and boys, who wear sailor hats 
and suits, and carry nets and fishing poles to catch the golden fish we 
see in the market baskets. When I look at those glistening rails so 
long, and winding out of sight like serpents of glittering steel, I never 
can leave the window until a long trail of black smoke alone remains 
behind. I ask myself constantly — Where are they going, how far? 
Then comes a struggle not to follow, to follow those bright rails 
which stretch from our feet to the great, great roaring sea, which they 
say sings God's praise forever, night and day, with the same voice for 
the poor as the rich.' Overcome by her fancies, towards morning, 
she slept on my breast while a smile of serene happiness dwelt upon her 
face. We left at twelve o'clock the next day. Her eyes were glued 
to the window and took in any flitting object that flew past. Each 
moment she uttered an exclamation of delight and surprise. For my 
part I dozed a little, overcome by the previous night's vigils. Then, 
again, I like the city better than the country. I prefer streets, squares 
and houses, to trees, lakes, and marshes filled with mists. I was 
born, bred and grown in Paris, and I love it better than all the world. 
We reached YiPort by the sea at night and slept until morning. 
It was hardly light before Calinette, up and dressed, dragged me out to 
the battery. At the first glimpse of the sea she uttered a single cry: 
'Ah! ' and remained silent. Her gaze became fixed and her form 
rigid as a statue of granite. A moment passed thus and she wiped 
her eyes. They were full of tears. Upon some stones worn round 
by the sea we sat all day long, with the tide splashing our feet, gazing 
at the vast expanse of green water, dotted here and there with white 
sails going to and fro. When called to meals, Calinette grew fretted 
at being disturbed. As one in a trance, she was spell-bound by the 
sea ; her ayes sparkled, her pale lips reddened. She seemed to hear 
and answer a voice from another world—' Oh, how grand you are ; 
how I love you.' Then she kissed her hand to the sea time and time 
again. I grew alarmed, for I felt this exaltation to be unnatural. 
She held me there till the last rays of the sun hiding below the waves 
illumined the skies like a vast conflagration. Now the wind blew 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 45 

fresh and damp, and the air grew quite cool. ' Come, come, Cali- ■ 
nette, let's go in — you must.' With a sigh she arose and we walked 
slowly back to the village. She scarcely tasted supper — so I made 
some tea and placed her in bed close by mine where I could feel her 
during the night. She had taken cold and was both feverish and 
restless. Wearied and tired out, I slept a few hours until awakened 
by a chilly sensation. I opened my eyes, and looked for Calinette ; 
it was just daylight. Her bed was empty — I sprang up, and cried, 
' What do I see? ' There was my poor little girl in her night-gown, 
with bare feet, leaning out of the open window gazing at the sea — 
always the sea. ' Are you mad — what are you doing? come back to 
bed.' I tried to pull her away; in vain, she clutched the sash and 
held tight. ' See, Gran', see, oh, do look, there he is, there he comes, 
I wanted to see him come up first— look ! look ! ' And she pointed 
her little hands towards the sun, who now rose like a huge red seal, 
casting long golden rays over the sea. ' Come away, come, you 
must — you are catching cold.' I closed the sash and forced her back 
to bed. She begged me to w^heel her couch to the window that she 
might still see the sun and sea — -always the sea. I consented ; didn't 
I always yield her slightest wish. I could not hold her down ; she 
threw her cover aside, sprang half up, and grew both exalted and 
wild with delight. 'Don't you see him. Gran', the great grand sun; 
see, he rises, how he climbs up, way up yonder, up, up, higher up 
the heaven ; see, he paints everything rose-color — the sea, the boats, 
the sails, this room and furniture, and even our faces — all things rose, 
rose.' She tossed kisses to the sun as if a human being. Suddenly, 
she ceased her exclamations and kisses, and became silent for a mo- 
ment ; then she said : ' I am cold ! ' As a matter of course, a burn- 
ing fever followed such imprudence. Her hands grew hot, her throat 
parched, and her eyes closed as if they had lost the strength to re-open. 
I sent for the Doctor, who came quickly. ' It is grave,' he said, 
'very grave; probably imflammation of the lungs.' My God ! my 
child, my Calinette! Her sleep was restless, her breath came short 
and choked. After several hours she awoke and said: ' Gran'.' I 
seized and held the dear little hand which she had placed upon my 
cheek for a moment, as she had been wont to do with her old caressing 
manner, then withdrawing them she exclaimed again : ' Isn't he grand, 
too grand — he strangles me. I was better in my little garret in Paris. 



46 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

How strange ; I seem to float in mid-air — yes, I fly like those white 
sea gulls, and I rise, I rise higher, and all around is rose-colored, rose, 
rose.' So she raved for hours, but never again, not once spoke of me, 
her old grandmother. I lost my head — I was dazed. The sun was 
setting and about to disappear at this moment. She sat bolt upright 
upon her couch with eyes preternaturally distended, and reached out 
both hands as if to clutch and hold back the last shimmer. ' Let me 
stay, don't take me away — not yet, not yet, a little longer — let me 
look, look forever.' As the last ray sank away, Calinette looked at 
me with her old smile and put up her lips as if to kiss me and said, 
' Gran'.' Then her eyes became fixed, she moved no more, the 
struggle was over. She's buried over there, in a little plot by the 
sea, so she may always look at the sea — that accursed sea which stole 
her away. Oh, why did she wish to go there — why did he send her 
there, that kind Doctor Millot, No doubt but he intended to do for 
the best when he spoke jjof the effects of nature — fresh air and other 
things not found between the walls of Paris. But you see, sir, such 
things are only made for the rich — they are not intended for. us poor 
people, they kill us." With her eyes full of tears, the old woman cast 
them reproachfully upon those long, glittering steel rails, which had 
carried her child to a grave by the sea, and sighed as one without hope. 



PRESENT STATUS BETWEEN ENGLAND AND RUSSIA. 

[From the French.] 

The following conversation between an English and Russian 
general illustrates the status of affairs existing between the two nations. 

They met at Herat to adjust the boundary dispute. 

Russian General — " How amiable it is of my brother-in-arms to 
meet here at our invitation, so far from home." 

English General — " Not at all, not at all, my dear sir. All the 
honor and condescension rests with you. I should be most happy to 
meet you in London upon a similar mission." 

Buss. Gen. — "Please admire this cavalry sabre. Anew inven- 
tion. Feel what a keen edge it has." 

Eng. Gen. — " Pretty sharp. But we have recently invented a 
bayonet which is a perfect treasure. It never fails to kill after inflict- 
ing intense agony," 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 4^ 

JRuss. Gen. — " And our new patent lance. See what a gem. It 
pierces a gold rouble through and through with its own weight." 

JEng. Gen. — " Exquisite! but you should see our new velocipede 
gun, which fires twenty shots before you can blow your nose." 

Buss. Gen. — "Our patented poisoned ball (this in confidence) 
not only kills instantly, but turns the corpse black." 

JEng. Gen. — " That is charming, but not quite equal to our ex- 
plosive ball which defies a collection of the remains." 

Riiss. Gen. — " But you have not seen our little cannon revolver 
which demolishes a fortress in less than a minute." 

^ng. Gen. — " Good, very good, but our shovel shooter shovels 
five hundred balls into five hundred men every shovelfull." 

Buss. Gen. — " Our electric torpedo fish at each shock instantly 
rots the hull of your largest man-of-war, which drops to pieces and 
sinks." 

Ung. Gen. — " That is useless against our new modeled navy 
which folds like a fan, dives like a duck, and only comes to the sur- 
face to vomit fire and goes down again to avoid danger." 

Rtiss. Gen. (Extracting a pill from his waistcoat pocket.) — "See 
this microbe." 

Ung. Gen. — " What is it good for." 

Buss. Gen. — " A beautiful darling little pocketpiece, which con- 
tains miasmatic gases enough to asphyx an entire regiment." 

Ung. Gen.—'''' That is splendid! Almost equal to our campaign 
battery. ' ' 

Buss. Gen. — "What is your campaign battery." 

Eng. Gen. — " Such a startling invention! All England is crazy 
over it. It shoots an electric wire around an entire army, charged 
w^ith electricity enough to cremate every man within the circle." 

Buss. Gen. — -" Then, by bomb and mortar, we are fully prepared 
my dear friend, to massacre you as agreeably as possible." 

Eng. Gen. — "And we, honored brother-in-arms, are ready to 
blow your nation off the map of Europe." 

Buss. Gen. — "But before we proceed to our glorious work, let 
us not forget the courtesies of life. Permit me to embrace you." 

Ung. Gen. — " Certainly, my dear friend, I was about to beg the 
same favor." 

They fall into each other's arms and embrace most affectionately. 



48 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

THE FORESTS OF THE VICINITY OF MOBILE. 

[ByDK. Chas. Mohr.] 

Situated in the coast plain of the maritime pine belt of the East- 
ern Gulf region, the forests in the vicinity of Mobile display the 
variety and richness of the tree growth characteristic of the lower 
South, in all its luxuriance. 

The alluvial lands of the upper part of the delta of the Mobile 
river, intersected b3^ numerous channels, and studded with shallow 
lakes and the adjoining river banks subject to overflow at every 
freshet, are covered with gloomy forests of deciduous-leaved trees, in 
an almost primeval condition. 

Here in the deep perpetually wet alluvial soil is the true home of 
the mighty Cypress^, (Bald Cypress); exceeding in its dimensions 
every other tree of the Atlantic forest region. 

The manufacture of cypress lumber is carried on to a considera- 
ble extent at the mills on the Tensas river, which furnish a product of 
superior quality. The only other tree of large size associated with 
the Cypress is the Tupelo Gum 2, its rival in height, the dense foliage 
of these giants of the forest forming a roof scarcely penetrated by the 
rays of the sun ; in this dark shade there is besides the Swamp Ash^ 
or Fop- Ash, a small tree not over twenty-five or thirty feet in height, 
no other undergrowth fonnd to thrive. In situations less subject to 
inundation the dense woods present a more varied growth of Water 
Oak*, Water Hickory'', Sweetgums^, Red Maple^, splendid Water 
Elm*, Hackberries^, the largely prevailing Green Ash^^, and two 
species of Cottonwood^^, ^^ fringing the banks, with an undergrowth 
of Red Bay^^, Catalpa trees^*. Swamp Dogwood^^, and Black Wil- 
lows^*'. The borders fronting the water-courses are frequently covered 
with a dense growth of gigantic cane, presenting impenetrable bar- 
riers. These canebrakes, in connection with the swampy soil, and 
with a dense undergrowth interlaced by numerous vines, often armed 
with sharp prickles, render the accTess to these woods extremely diffi- 
cult, if not impossible. They offer secure lairs to the larger beasts 
of the forests, long since disappeared from other parts of this section. 
Bears, panthers, large catamounts, find here a safe retreat, and the 
valiant hunter in search of such noble game, will find this truly 
primeval wilderness a field for sport to satisfy his ardor. 

Receding from the estuary and the lowlands of the river in gently 
rising swells, this plain extends westwardly for a distance of from six 
to eight miles, where it is bounded by the rolling pine-clad uplands. 
According to the condition of the soil and the configuration of its 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 49. 

surface, its forest growth presents a varied character. In localities 
with a dry sandy porous soil, prevailed originally the Long Leaf 
Pine^". Wherever this tree has been removed in this coast-plain, it 
is almost invariably replaced by the Cuban Pine, or Elliott Pine, 
Slash Pine^*. This tree, originally confined to the low flatwoods and 
the borders of the inlets and streams near the coast, is found in all 
stages of growth to cover the clearings and old fields. The openings 
of earliest date, made in the original forest, as found in the western 
outskirts of this port, bear stately groves of this fine pine in the very- 
prime of its growth. Destitute of undergrowth, the floor covered 
with a soft carpet of the dry pine-straw, these groves adorning the 
suburbs, offer quiet and pleasant retreats where the visitor, suscepti- 
ble to the soothing influences of inanimate nature, in listening to the 
soft chant of the rustling leaves of the pines and in inhaling the 
balmy breezes of the Gulf, is sure to enjoy that repose so delightful 
to the mind inclined to quiet meditation. 

The so-called hammock lands, with a cooler, more loamy soil, of 
a richer covering of vegetable mould and more retentive of moisture, 
being at the same time sufficiently elevated to allow of its natural 
drainage after heavy falls of rain, are covered with a tree growth, 
mostly of evergreens, peculiar to the lower part of the extreme South- 
ern States. Here, the Magnolia^^ reigns supreme, attaining a height 
of eighty feet and over by a diameter of from thirty to thirty-six 
inches, associated with Live Oaks^°, Willow Oaks^^, Water Oaks, the 
Loblolly Pine'", the Cuban Pine, and a host of trees of smaller size, 
many of them highly ornamental, including the American Olive or 
Devilwood^^ ; the beautiful Holly"'^*, the Sweet Leaf or Horse Sugar*^, 
the Youpon^^, bearing the year round its load of scarlet berries ; the 
Fringe tree or Old Man's Beard'^, with its delicate white bloom ; 
Red Bays, the pretty Snowdrop tree or Silver Bells^^, delighting the 
eye in the early days of spring with its profusion of snow-white 
pendant flowers ; the interesting Bumelia^^ and rare Loblolly Bay^*^, 
with the Black Plum^\ Chicasaw Plum^'-, several species Hawthorns'^, 
the Shade or Serviceberry tree-^, and the Southern Prickly Ash^^. 
These trees overshadow a not less varied growth of shrubs, many of 
them attractive by their beautiful flowers, consisting of several species 
of Blueberries^^, Huckleberries^", the Sweet lUicium-^^ or American 
Staranise, Chokeberries^^, the Dahoon Holly*", Winterberries^, and 
Inkberries or Gall bushes*'-. The Dwarf Palmetto*^ choosing the 
richest spots, besides its congener of the Pinewoods of the coast region 
the Saw Palmetto, the only representative of the Palms, a family of such 



50 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

great prominence amongst the ligneous growth within the tropics, 
adding an impressive feature to the subtropical character of this 
forest flora. The higher banks of the brooks are adorned during the 
time of spring with the bloom of the Azaleas^ and the Calico bush*^ 
and their borders enlivened by the fragrant snowy flowers of the 
Storax bush*** and those of Andromedas^', of most delicate tints. 
Where these hammocks are low, spreading out in swampy flats and 
on the low banks of the streams, the Sweet Bay or White Bay*^. 
reaching a height of seventy feet and over, takes the place of the 
Magnolia, and the White Cedar or Juniper*'' that of the Pines, inter- 
spersed with the Red Bay. The Ti-Ti'^'^, or Buckwheat tree, making 
up the largest part of the inidergrowth, is highly attractive during the 
spring when it is covered with a profusion of pretty white flowers, 
borne in short racemes. In such localities is also found the poisonous 
Sumac^^ often falsely called Poison Oak, and confounded with a 
species-^- of the same genus bearing the same name and equally 
dreaded on account of its subtle poison, inflicting, when coming in 
contact with these shrubs, troublesome cutaneous affections upon 
those susceptible to its influences. This poisonous Sumac is from 
six to ten feet high, the slender branches bearing oddly pinnate leaves, 
with from seven to thirteen oblongovate leaflets, and bearing the 
small greenish flowers in a loose slender panicle. 

The shrubs and trees of these woods are found interlaced and 
often completely covered with different woody climbers and herba- 
ceous vines particularly on their borders, adding greatly to the luxu- 
riant aspect of the vegetation. Ascending to the highest trees, their 
festoons in many instances adorned with brilliant flowers reach from 
limb to limb, or confined to the undergrowth trailing from shrub to 
tree, enveloping it in rich drapery. The yellow Jasmine^^ unfolding 
its golden flowers in the first mild days of the beginnmg Spring is 
found trailing over the shrubs and smaller trees, soon followed by the 
clusters of dark reddish flowers of the Crossvine-^, and with the 
advance of the season by the azure corymbs of the flowers of the 
Wistaria^^ and the white cymes of the Decumaria^^. Soon the delight- 
ful odor of the bloom of various grapes fills the air. The mighty 
stems of the Summer grape^'^ and the River grape^^, as well as the 
Bullace or Muscadine^^, the parent plant of the esteemed Scupper- 
nong, rising free with the trunks of trees of largest size to their loftiest 
heights, while the Trumpet vine^", the Virginia Creeper''^ and the true 
Poison Oak^'* in their ascent cling closely to their supports. The 
Virginia Creeper is by many mistaken for the latter plant, growing in 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 5I 

the same localities, whose pernicious properties have already been 
alluded to ; it is easily distinguished by its digitate leaves with oblong 
lance-shaped stiff leaflets, whereas those of the Poison Oak are com- 
posed of three thin broader leaflets. Several species of Smilax in- 
cluding the Briar Root'''* or false China Root, and others similar to the 
Sarsaparilla, the Peppervine''^ with its black shining berries and the 
singular Brunnichia''"' or Eardrops, entangle bush and tree. The few 
Epiphytes or air plants occurring in the Eastern Gulf region are found 
inhabiting the trees of these forests. The most frequent amongst them 
is the so-called Southern Moss'"', which in pendant airy clusters clothes 
the branches of the trees in a drapery of sombre gray, adding much 
to the gloom of the forest and presenting a novel sight as one of the 
prominent features in the flora of the low^ei South. This strikingly 
peculiar plant, a pretty orchid"^ belonging to a tropical genus, and a 
single fern the Creeping Polypody''**, complete the list of vascular- 
air plants, which within the tropics form such a conspicuous part in 
the vegetation of the forest. 

Unfolding their flowers from the beginning of the spring to the 
decline of the summer season, these trees and shrubs fill the air with 
a sweet fragrancy, which wafted by the land breezes of the night 
upon the bosom of the Gulf, delighted the earliest navigators, and 
which offer to the honey bees and other innumerable hosts of the 
insect world, a long season of almost uninterrupted feasting. 

The Live Oak^^, in groups, or singly, chains the attention as one 
of the most characteristic and attractive object in the picture of the 
landscape of this coast plain ; it truly represents the very perfection 
of a shade tree. In the height of its growth, its sturdy trunk sends 
out massive limbs to a length exceeding its whole height, which cover 
w^ith their shade an ambitus often exceeding a hundred feet in 
diameter. The rotund and dense head covered with the rich glistening 
evergreen foliage, presenting soft and at the same time imposing out- 
lines, forms a picture of grand repose filling the beholder with admira- 
tion, and upon which the eye never tires. A drive to the woods 
covering the hammock lands at the lower extremity of the Bay Shell 
Road, can be counted amongst the chief of points of interest affording 
unmingled delight to the visitor from the North, and cannot fail to 
leave a most pleasing impression. 

Further to the south the coast plain spreads out m grassy savan- 
nas or open woods timbered with the Cuban Pine in its fullest perfec- 
tion, and with the Long Leaf Pine less perfect in its growth. The 
monotony of these pine meadows, as these low pine barrens or flat- 



C2 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

woods are called, is occasionally relieved by narrow strips of Live 
Oaks and other hardwood timber trees already mentioned, bordering 
the seashore and inlets intersecting the coast. The ti'eeless depres- 
sions covered with sv^amps of the pale Peat Moss™ and Club Mosses^^, 
and with shallow ponds, harbor a strikingly peculiar flora rich in rare 
plants, not only full of interest to the botonist, but bound to attract 
the attention of the more superficial observer, by their strange forms 
and flowers of varied hues. Prominent amongst them stand the 
Pitcher Plants or Fly Traps^^^ ^ith their hollow trumpet-shaped 
leaves most ingeniously contrived to serve as traps from which there 
is no escape, to catch the unwary fly seeking for hidden sweets ; with 
these Sarracenias are found other insect catching plants, which deemed 
as being carniverous, have of late attracted the attention of biologists, 
viz: the pretty Sundews^^. The leaves of these plants are bordered 
by sensitive prehensile hairs, which take hold of the insect allured to 
sip the glistening nectar exuding from their tips. The strange Blad- 
derworts, some of them with floating stems and leaves bearing 
numerous bladders filled with air, and the allied Butterworts are also 
found growing in these ponds and swamps, similar habits being 
ascribed to them. 

It would exceed the limits of these pages to mention, even by 
name, the hosts of plants common to these low pine barrens, which 
are offering to the botanist a field full of the richest reward. 

The undulating pine lands or pine hills are covered with the 
forests of the Long Leaf Pine, to the almost total exclusion of any 
other tree, forming the vast timber region of the lower Southern 
States, east of the Mississippi, the source of the important lumber 
industry, timber trade, and of the crude turpentine extracted for the 
manufacture of naval stores. The banks of the numerous water 
courses, clear as crystal, of a swift current, and fed by copious springs 
issuing from the base of these hills, are covered with a dense growth of 
Magnolias, White Bay, Red Bay, Black Gum^^ and Red Maple, and 
the base and sides of the slopes with Spanish Oak'^, .Mockernut, 
Hickory and large Loblolly Pines. The Upland White Oak or Blue 
Jack'^^, and Black Jacks", are found in the openings amongst 
the pines on the drier hillsides. The Loblobby Pine takes in these 
uplands possession of the old fields and abandoned grounds. 

The products of the forests tributary to the port of Mobile form 
an important item in its industries and commerce. During the busi- 
ness year ending September i, 1885, 41,804 barrels of spirits turpentine 
and 200,688 barrels of rosin Avere shipped from this port. The value 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 53 

of lumber and square timber shipped to foreign and domestic markets 
during the same time, reached the sum of $631,468, to which is to be 
added $i8,ooo worth of shingles and staves. The total value of these 
products drawn from the forests of the surrounding counties and of that 
part of the State of Mississippi adjacent to the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, 
and exported from this port, exceeded $1,600,000, leaving out of con- 
sideration the timber, lumber charcoal, and other fuel consumed at home. 
These pine hills rising to a height of from two hundred to two 
hundred and fifty feet above the level of the Gulf, and often spreading 
out in extensive table-lands, are perfectly free from the taint of malaria; 
at such elevation the atmosphere is less charged with moisture than in 
the plain below. The light, silicious, porous soil, is instantly drained 
after every fall of rain. Amply supplied with pure water by numerous 
springs and brooks under a serene sky of a genial clime, admitting of 
almost constant outdoor exercise, this upland pine region offers to those 
wishing to escape the rigors of a northern winter and in search of 
health, a most desirable resort, unsurpassed in salubrity, with pleasing 
surroundings of varied beauty and numerous resources for healthful 
sport and genuine pleasure, afforded by a closer contact with nature. 



1. Taxodium disticlitim. 2. Nyssa uniflora. 3. Fraxinus platycarpa. 4. Quercus aquatica, 
5. Carya aquatica. 6. Liquidambar styracyflua. 7. Acer riibrum. 8. UIiiius alata. 
9. Celtis Mississippiensis. 10. Fraxinus viridis. 11. Populusmouilifera. 12. P. heterophyila. 
13. Persea Carolinensis. var: palustris. 14. Catalpa bignouioides. 

15. Coriius paniculata. 16. Salix nigra. 17. Pinus australis. 

18. Pinus Cubensis. 19. Magnolia grandiflora. 20. Quercus virens. 21. Quereus Phellos. 
22. Pinus T;eda. 2.3. Osniantiius Americanus. 24. Ilex opaca. 25. Symplocos tinctoria. 
26. Ilex Cassine. 27. Cliionanthus Virginicus. 28. Halesiadiptera. 29. Bumelia tomentosa. 
30. Gordonia Lasianthus. 31. Prunusumbellata. 32. P. Chickasaw. 33. Cratoegus arborescens. 
34. Amelanchier Canadensis. 35. Xanthoxylum Clava Hercules. 

36. Vacciniuni Myrsinitis. V. Virgatum. 37. Gaylussacia duniosa. 

38. lUicium Floridanum. 39. Pyrus arbutifolia. 40. Ilex Dalioon. 

41. Ilex coriacea. 42. Ilex glabra. 43. Sabal Adansoni. 

44. Kliododendron nuditiorum. 45. Kalinia latifolia. 46. StjTan pulverulenta. 

47. Andromeda nitida. A. pliyllereafolia. Leucothoe axillaris. L. raceniosa. 

48. Magnolia glauca. 49. Chamif cyparis sphoeroidea. 50. Cliftonia ligustrina. 
51. Khus venenata. 52. Rhus toxicodendron, 53. Gelseniiuni senipervirens. 
54. Bignonia capreolata. 55. Wistaria frutescens. 56. Decumaria barbata. 
57. Vitis ivstivalis. 5S. Vitis cordifolia. 59. Vitis vulpina. 60. Tecoina radicans. 
61. Ampelopsis quinque folia, 62. Rhus toxidodendron. var: radicans. 

63. Smilax Pseudo— China, and others. 64. Vitis bipinnata. 65. Brunnichia cirrliosa. 

66. Tillandsia usneoides. 67. Epidendron conopseuni. 68. Polypodium iiicanuni, 

69. Quercus Virens. 70. Sphagnum, different species. 

71. Lycopodium alopeeuroides. L. inundatum vero pinnatum. L. Carolinianuni. 

72. Sarracenla purpurea. S. flava. S. Dreemmondii. S. psittacina. 

73. Drosera brevifolia. D. flllformis. 74. Nyssa Caroliniana. 75. Quercus falcate, 
76. Quercus clnerea. 77. Quercus nigra. Q. Catesbaei. 



54 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

ST. FRANCIS-STREET BAPTIST CHURCH. 
Rev. Geo. B. Eager, Pastor. 

A Brief Sketch, by a Member. 

Dr. Talmas^e has called Mobile " a city of beautiful Churches," 
and St. Francis-street Baptist Church may justly claim a share of 
the praise. 

In approaching the city, almost the first object which greets the 
eye is its stately spire, rising more than a hundred feet in the clear air, 
above the smoke and din of the city, steadfastly lifting its " crown " 
heavenward, a fit emblem of a church which stands to-day crowned 
with God's loving kindness and tender mercies. In sketching the his- 
tory of a church, one's first thought is of 

ITS ORIGIN. 

To use a borrowed thought, it is always interesting to examine 
into beginnings. There is something fascinating in the springing up 
of new enterprises or new ideas ; there seems a principle within us that 
demands the source of things. In the beginning of a church there is 
something almost awe-inspiring. A few men and women unite to 
found a " kingdom," not for time but for eternity; to build a dwell- 
ing-place for The Most High God. They unite to fight, not earthly 
powers, but Satan, Sin and Death, and in the name of their God, 
" they set up their banners." 

Half a century ago, when Mobile was a place of little impor- 
tance, but just realizing her strength, with a population of less than 
five thousand, eleven persons decided to organize a Baptist Church. 
On the 9th of May, 1835, these eleven, of whom seven were women, 
met in Franklin-street Methodist Church, and "The First Baptist 
Church of Mobile " was constituted. The names of these faithful ones 
were : Burwell L. Barnes and Mrs. C. H. Barnes, Rev. Piatt Stout 
and wife. Green B. Marshall, Salome Jewett, Sarah Stark, Elizabeth 
Rawls, Mary Ann Collins, Darling Collins, and Hiram Grifiing. Of 
the eleven founders, not one is left to-day, but many lived to see the 
work of their hands established, for God was with them in their 
labors with His benediction sweet. Now " He hath given His 
beloved sleep." 

VICISSITUDES. 

During the half century of its existence, the church has been 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 55 

twice disbanded and reorganized ; first, owing to the great financial 
crisis which swept over the country in '37, and left the church, then 
in its infancy, deeply in debt and robbed of its lot and building fund ; 
again in '45, owing to some difficulty in regard to the colored mem- 
bership. Each time the spirit of their Baptist forefathers animated 
them to increase their zeal as difficulties multiplied, and each time 
the new organization went forth with greater strength to conquer for 
Christ, proving that strength lies not in numbers, but in consecration 
to the purpose in view, and that difficulties overcome are pillars of 
strength to raise one nearer to victory. 

The body worshipped first in a room in the second stoiy of a 
building on the corner of Jackson and St. Louis streets, which was 
rented for the purpose. In 1839 a building of their own was dedi- 
cated and used until 1847, when after the last reorganization, 
with much labor and self-denial, the new body obtained a lot and 
erected a building. Before they could occupy it, the torch of an 
incendiary reduced it to ashes and destroyed with it a fine bell, the 
gift of friends in New York and Boston. But " courage mounteth 
with occasion," and on the ashes of the old church was reared a 
building far superior, where in peace and prosperity the body wor- 
shipped for many years. In 1873 this building was taken down 
and rebuilt on a much handsomer scale, at a cost of more than $30,000. 

PREVIOUS PASTORS. 

Since its organization, the church has been presided over by 
thirteen different pastors. Rev. Geo. Felix Heard was the first. He 
came from Philadelphia, and was ordained in Mobile at the Court 
House, as the church had then no building of its own. He serv^ed 
the church less than two years, but was very successful in his work. 
Rev. Fred. Clark was next called, remained less than a year, and was 
succeeded by Rev. Jacob Henry Schroebel. He was a most success- 
ful minister, a man of marked vigor and a true gentleman. During 
his pastoral term the membership increased until it numbered three 
hundred and ninety. He died in 1843 of yellow fever — one of those 
unsung martyr spirits who give up their lives for the good of others. 

" Who liveth to the Lord 

He lives indeed ! 

Who loveth fellow men. 

He sows 

Most precious seed." 



56 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

In January, 1844, Bev. D. H. Gillette became pastor, but owing 
to severe illness, he ser\^ed but a short time. Whjle preaching from 
the text " A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief," he fell 
in the pulpit, was taken home and died in less than two weeks. He 
was succeeded by Rev. J. J. Sessions, who served until Dec. 1S66, 
when Rev. Solon Lindsley was chosen pastor. During his pastorate 
the church was rebuilt, the African church constituted, and four 
negroes licensed to preach. He was characterized by unusual courage 
and energy, qualities' which eminently adapted him to the wants of 
the church at that time. After faithful service for almost three years, 
his health failed, and he retired universally beloved. On his recom- 
mendation the church called Rev. T. G. Keen, who tendered his res- 
ignation in 1855, after having served the church six and a half years. 
He proved to be a preacher of decided ability, a cultivated and 
refined gentleman, and did much to elevate the standard of the 
church. Rev. P. E. Collins was minister then for three years, and 
aided in organizing the Baptist Mission, aftei'wards known as 
"Broad-street Church." In 1859, Rev. D. P. Bestor assumed 
charge, and held it most honorably for nearly three years. He was 
a finely educated man, a gifted orator, much admired by the denomi- 
nation, and widely known throughout the land. During the war the 
church seemed to have had no regular pastor, but was supplied by 
various ministers, prominent among whom was Dr. S. H. Ford. In 
Jan., 1866, Rev. A. T. Spaulding came, and notwithstanding the dis- 
couraging circumstances of the times, accomplished a great work. 
He was a pastor of rare faithfulness, wonderful energy, and whole- 
hearted consecration. During his term the second Mission was 
founded in a Sabbath School on Marine street, which grew until a 
church was organized, and to-day "Palmetto-street Church," Rev. 
J. B. Hamberlin, Pastor, bids fair to rival its mother church. After 
Dr. Spaulding resigned^ Rev. A. B. Woodfin was called (1868) to 
take his place. He served as pastor five years and a half, and was 
justly regarded as one of the best preachers the church has ever had. 
He holds to-day a warm place in the hearts of many, to whom he 
endeared himself by his earnest endeavors and tender sympathy. In 
Dec, 1874 Rev. J. 0'J5. Lowry was invited to supply the pulpit, and 
accepted, becoming afterwards full pastor. The St. Francis-street 
Church was his first charge ; \\e came to it almost a boy in years, but 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 57 

a full-grown man in intellect. He found the church deeply in debt 
for their new building, but through his zeal, aided by a splendid 
finance committee, of which T. G. Bush was chairman, in 1S76 the 
indebtedness was fully paid. On the night following the payment of 
the last note, the church held a Thanksgiving service, and few who 
attended it will ever forget the eloquent sermon that seemed to well 
up from the heart of the pastor round the text: " Ebenezer, hitherto 
hath the Lord helped us." During Mr. Lowry's pastorate, many 
were added to the church. He seemed especially gifted in drawing 
the young men to himself and leading them to his Master. An elo- 
quent preacher and close student, he was also a most devoted pastor. 
While preaching with power from the pulpit, he was the sympathetic 
friend in the sick-room, and the messenger of comfort in the still 
chamber of death. His tenderness of heart was shown in his love 
for the children, every one of whom considered him a personal friend. 
He preached his valedictory sermon in Dec, 1879. Many warm 
friends in Mobile still watch his career with interest, and wish him 
^' God speed " in his far Western home. 

THE PRESENT PASTOR, 

the Rev. George B. Eager, took charge in the spring of iSSo. It is 
difficult to write contemporaneous history, inspired and colored as it 
must be with somewhat of the enthusiasm which necessarily pertains 
to sentiments and emotions nearly connected with the interests of the 
present. Dr. Eager is a man of rare intellectual culture. His ser- 
mons are replete with polished thought, pure teaching, and earnest 
exhortation. His influence is demonstated in the harmony existing in 
the church, in its courtesy to strangers, its kindly interest in the 
suffering — in a word, in its Christian work. This influence has been 
acquired not alone through earnest effort in the pulpit, but by the 
more subtle influence of example. Though endowed with a keen 
appreciation of society in its most cultured phase, a leader in all that 
tends to its elevation, the heart of the pastor turns with quickest 
impulse to where the wanderer is to be brought back to his Father's 
house, or to where sorrow has thrown its solemn shadow. He seems 
to have caught the very spirit of his Master, the spirit in which Butler 
wrote when he said: " Exercise your souls in loving sympathy with 
sorrow in every form. Soothe it, minister to it, succor it, revere it. 



58 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

It is the relic of Christ in the world, an image of the great Sufferer, a 
shadow of the Cross. It is a holy, venerable thing." 

Since Dr. Eager took charge of the church, many additions have 
been made to its membership until now, despite serious losses by 
death and removal, the church is stronger than ever before. 

The annual contributions to Home and Foreign Missions, 
Ministerial Education, etc., have been marked by increasing liberality, 
perhaps doubling the amount contributed during any preceding pas- 
torate in the history of the church. But while crowned with success 
in so many ways, the church has had its 

DARK DAYS ; 

times when the bitterness of mourning robbed success of its joy. Ik 

a few short months lately death took from its ranks on earth five of 

its noblest men, E. A. Shaffer, C. E. Thames, W. A. Garnett, Rev. 

Wm. Spence, and Judge Cuthbert. They were known as men who 

had consecrated their lives to God, and would maintain their Christian 

character at whatever cost. Mr. Shaffer and Judge Cuthbert were 

deacons. 

Judge Cuthbert was a man of high culture, and a gentleman of 

the old school. He had occupied some of the first offices in his 

State. What a lesson it was to see him, when, bent with the weight 

of eighty years, he took his place week after week in Sabbath school 

and church. His faith in God seemed perfect ; it was trust in the 

" Father who heedeth the sparrow's fall." After a long eventful life 

he seemed, 

'• As one wlio stands and listens 
Amid the twilight's chill and gloom, 
To hear approaching in the distance, 
The train for Home." 

No history of Baptists in Mobile would be complete without a 
record of the valuable services of Wm. Spence, who, for thirty-five 
years, was a resident minister, supplying as his sei'vices were needed, 
the various churches of the city. Endowed with strong sense, he be- 
came a useful minister of the Gospel, as well as a trusted member 
of society. 

No man was better known to Mobilians than E. A. Shaffer. All 
# over the city he was spoken of as the good man. For thirty-one years 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 59 

he was superintendent of the Sunday school, and for many years was 
deacon and usher in the church. There was not a child whom he did 
not know by name, not a member of the congregation who had not 
felt his warm shake of the hand, and heard the cheery ring of his 
voice. His seemed the religion of good cheer. Ever on his face 
shone the "Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind, each prayer ac- 
cepted and each wish resigned." It might be said of him, " A man 
in whom there was no guile." The pastor finds ready help to-day 
from his most efficient corps of deacons, of whom much might be said. 

THE CHURCH BUILDING, 

which was completed, in its present form, in 1S73, is a handsome 
structure, built of brick in a massive stjde, with a spire rising one 
hundred and twenty-five feet. The basement is beautifully finished 
and admirably furnished for its various uses. The audience-room of 
the church is finely frescoed, finished with stained glass windows, and 
provided with a grand organ which is presided over by Dr. Pape, one 
of the finest musicians in the land. Such are the externals which 
address the eye of the stranger. But to those who have worshipped 
within these walls for years, they are as the body without the light of 
the soul. A church is something which every worshipper adorns for 
himself. Old associations rival in charms stained-glass and frescoes, 
and memory paints with touches that as far surpass the real as the 
spiritual does the material. Every heart chants for itself, " The 
Lord is in His holy temple, let all the earth keep silence before Him.'' 
Then there is love for the place where we are lifted above ourselves, 
for few have ceased to reverence their better natures. How many 
can stand in the silence of the sanctuaiy and let associations preach 
sermons more powerful than the walls ever echo. They come from 
the Baptistry where, " being buried with Christ," they rose to life 
in His service ; from the altar where, perhaps, they pledged life to 
another and went forth amid the joyous music of marriage bells ; or, 
from the pew where vacant places are filled again, and there comes, 

" The touch of a vanished hand, 
And the sound of a voice that is still." 

'•' Here Present, Past and Future strangely blend, 
And life, illumined by th' eternal light, 
Unfolds its mysteries to our groping sight." 



6o SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

FACETL^. 

[Original and Translations.] 

— Peter was very sick. His wife and her friend James Jacket 
sat by his bedside in attendance. The latter remarked: " My dear 
Peter, it is a beautiful sight to see such devotion from a young and 
charming wife." "Well, James, if you think so, why don't you 
marry?" " Why, I am thinking about it now, and have my eyes 
upon a widow." "A widow!" cried Peter; "Am I, indeed, so 
seriously ill?" Moral — " The best laid plans of men and mice oft 
gang aglee." Peter recovered and James died. 

— A club of ten scribes and play-writers met nightly in the green- 
room of the Vaudeville Theatre, among whom was the famous poet 
Beranger. One of the number commented bitterly and maliciously 
upon the works of the others. When he left some one said: " That 
fellow has made nine fools of you." " Well," replied Beranger, 
*' That is eight more than his father made." 

— A country exchange has the following advertisement : 
" Wanted — A situation as wet nurse by a handsome and agreeable 
widow^ who is also a good milker. Would prefer a place with a 
widower." 

— Scruggs bet he could eat a dozen hard-boiled eggs in succes- 
sion, and throw in the thirteenth for good measure. Upon beginning 
he said to his opponent: " I will do as you please, either begin with 
the first egg and eat through ; or commence with the thirteenth and 
eat backwards to the first." 

— I am somewhat suspicious of over-politeness, for it often 
conceals treachery. Its formulas frequently hide impertinences. 
When you lift your hat to a bald-headed man, it is to force him to 
uncover and expose his loss, which must be very disagreeable. When 
you serve your neighbor first at. table from a suspicious-looking 
dish, it is done to make him test its doubtful appearance. What 
will our courteous friend, Mr. Bunker, say to such philosophy? 

— A Coroner's jury found thefollowing verdict upon the body of 
John Smith, who had hanged himself: " The deceased came to his 
death from fatty matter about the heart in complication with a rope." 

— A bachelor being urged to marry by a friend, who said by 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 6l 

way of argument: " Only think how lonely you will be in your old 
age. No one to care for you." " You are mistaken. My creditors 
will never forget me as long as I live." 

— A Socialist, upon being asked why he objected to capital 
honestly acquired, replied: " It is not to capital I object; but to its 
belonging to another man." 

— A widow of four husbands was jestingly told that she must 
have assisted Nature's woi'ks. "No, no," she replied earnestly; "it 
was down-right pure good luck." 

— Scruggs, being told Irish potatoes were indigestible, replied : 
" No wonder when they are served in their jackets." 

— During a recitation of chemistry, the rather absent-minded 
professor asked a student: " When you manufacture ammonia, what 
do you heat it with?" " Alcohol," was the answer. " No, sir — you 
next?" " With gas." " No, sir. You?" " With a reverberator." 
" No, you are all wrong. They heat ammonia with precaution." 

— An American restaurant translating a French bill of fare, 
rendered " Beauf a la mode " into English as " Fashionable beef." 

— A quack, being charged with depopulating his village, and at 
the same time increasing the number of births, replied: "I must 
create a practice." 

— The nurse cried out to little Kittie, who was pulling on her 
socks; " Don't you see you are putting them on wrong side out!" 
" Oh, that's because there's a hole on t'other side." 

— While two friends were seated in the public square conversing, 
one said: "I'll bet that man coming this way is left-handed." 
"Why so; do you know him?" "No, never saw him before!" 
" Well, how do you know?" " Because he has no right hand." 

' — A young mother and her little daughter, Loto, were seated 
under a tree in the park with some gentlemen. Loto asked if some 
of the leaves on the tree were not false. " Why do you ask such a 
foolish question, Loto?" Loto, vexed, cried: "Don't you wear 
false hair. Mama?" 

— During Gen. Grant's funeral procession every place where a 
view could be obtained was utilized. The proprietor of a ladder 



63 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

erected against a tree for rent, cried out. " The bottom round is 
still vacant, with a young woman at the top ; price only five cents." 

— A lady who was cast for the principal character at private 
theatricals, said to the writer of the piece: " You always have such 
foolish words in my part — for instance, ycu speak of fumbling with 
geese. You must change that sentence. "I will;" and he wrote, 
^' fumbling with actors." 

— A fish woman said to another: " That was a hogish trick you 
served me." " Well, all of us have a little of the hog sleeping in our 
natures." " Yes," was the rejoinder, " but your hog never sleeps." 

— " Little Dick's grandfather had been placed on a milk diet for 
along time, when a neighbor asked how his grandpa was getting on. 
*' Oh, he has improved so much that ma speaks of milking him soon, 
to get her money back." 

— The recorder asked a witness in a criminal case — "Do you 
know the accused?" " Only by sight. I have seen him only once or 
twice." "What! only know him by sight, and yet you dined with 
him, a notorious thief!" " Well, Judge, it would have been worse 
if I had known him." 

— Several distinguished French scientists were discussing the 
question of sensibility remaining in the head after decapitation. One 
of them, who strongly advocated the affirmative side, had in his lap 
at the time a beautiful little pet terrier bitch, very devoted to him. 
After he had fully aroused the sympathies and affection of the dog 
by caresses, he instantly, at one blow of a heavy knife, severed her 
head from her body, then quickly called her name, "Fido ! Fido!" 
she opened both her eyes and gave him a tender look. 

— At a meeting during the days of the French Republic, a 
member was accused of failing to show the tri-colored flag at his 
dwelling on the fourteenth day of July. " That is true," he replied, 
*' but I did better than that. To avoid display I painted the tri-color 
inside of my stomach, by drinking blue seal for breakfast, white wine 
for dinner, and red wine for supper, and slept with them all night in 
boon companionship." 

— A husband and wife were quarrelling. He said: " I am too 
courteous to the sex to say there is no other woman as bad as you. 
I merely say I never yet met her." 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 63 

— A sentinel with a broken musket was stationed at the en- 
trance of the Emperor of Russia's audience chamber, when a man 
accompanied by a dog, seeking to pass, was halted. "You can't 
enterwithadog." "Don't be alarmed, my dog has no gun !" "Don't 
you be alarmed ;" replied the sentinel, "my gun has no dog." 

— When Barry's mother-in-law was taken suddenly ill, he con- 
sulted a friend as to whether he should send for an Allopathic or 
HomcEpathic doctor. "Oh, one is no better than the other; the 
former kills with drugs — the latter permits her to die from the want 
of them." " Well, I will have the Allopath, for his treatment will 
cause the poor woman to suffer less time." 

— A new married couple seated together in the country, saw two 
doves cooing on the limb of a tree, when suddenly one of them flew 
away, The bride cried out: " I'll bet the deserter is the male." 

— Little Tommy, seeing a militia company pass, asked his 
father why they had no tall drum-majoi;. "Because they attract 
lightning and are dangerous to the company," was the reply. 

— Often tender and touching sentiments are found lying hidden 
in the troubled brains of inmates of the insane asylum. A manager 
of one of these institutions threatened to punish a patient with a 
straight-jacket and solitary confinement because, among other eccen- 
tricities, he had walked one hundred miles to attend the funeral of a 
very distant relative. "That's true," he said, "and I would go 
twice as far again without regret ; for I remember one day when my 
brutal father had unmercifully beaten me for a trivial offence, this 
cousin alone, of all my relatives present, crept up to the corner where 
I was sobbing to break my heart, and tendered me the charity of a 
kind word. When we have hearts we do not forget these things." 
This reply, so simple and sincere, confirmed the principal in the 
belief that the patient was mad beyond cure. 

— A sleeper in a large hotel was waked by the porter with the 
information that room No. 5 was in flames. "Well, what is my 
number?" "No. 12, sir." " When the fire reaches No. 11, you 
can wake me up." Then he dropped to sleep again. 

— Apropos of the late London scandals of the Pall Mall Ga- 
zette, two Frenchmen were seated under a trellis of vines drinking, 



64 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

when one, looking overhead, asked: "What kind of vine is that?" 
" Virgin bower," replied the other. " Hush, my friend, speak low; 
don't say virgin ; there are some Englishmen at the next table who 
might go for that. innocent vine.'^ 

— Two invited guests at the wedding of an old man to a young 
lady, were discussing the principals, when one said: " I like to see 
an old man marry a young woman." "Why?" said his friend, 
" Because it circulates money among the boys." 

— Tommy asked his father how to distinguish civilization from 
barbarism. " The only difference is, that one kills his enemy with a 
cannon at the distance of miles ; while the other cuts his throat with 
a knife while he is asleep." 

— "I am told you are widower; will you marry again soon?'^ 
" Never invite a man to dinner who has just dined," was the reply. 

— St. Augustine, Fla., was settled by the Spaniards A. D. 1565. 

— Jefferson county, Alabama, yielded one hundred thousand 
tons of coal in 1884. 

— The Alabama tin deposits cover eight thousand acres. 

— After the battle of Maubila the Spaniards tried out the fat 
from the dead Indians to dress their wounds. This battle took place 
at Choctaw Bluff, on the Alabama River, A. D. 1540. 

— Toots, from having been a spendthrift^ suddenly became eco- 
nomical. His wife asked why he was so saving. " On account of 
our children," said Toots. "But we have no children." "Well, 
then, on account of our grand-children." 

— While canvassing for votes at a coming election. Brown an- 
nounced himself as a poor man'sjcandidate. Smith said, " That will 
beat you." " Why so?" "Because a merchant friend of mine, 
being overstocked with bed-spreads, advertised them for sale as poor 
people's comforters. No one would buy." 

— The French Government, in advertising for volunteers to go 
to Tonquin, required the jaws and teeth of the applicant to be exam- 
ined, the service requiring great jaw power as well as physical force, 
not only to conquer the Chinese, but their hard bread. The bread of 
glory must be very hard in China. 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OV ALABAMA. 65 

— Madame Alphonse, fortune teller and clairvoyant, at No. — 
Dauphin street, advertised a reward for the return of her pet dog, 
Tookaloo. If clairvoyance is not a farce, why does not Madame Al- 
phonse find her own Tookaloo? 

— At a social question dialogue in a bar-room, a man exclaimed : 
" Laborer out of labor is my profession, and my time is so much taken 
up with it, that when the strike is over my occupation will be gone." 

— Kate went back on Bill Sykes because her other beau, Bill 
Smith, gave her a ten dollar bill to buy an Easter bonnet. Sykes 
wanted to know "Why her heart was like a piano?" She didn't 
know. " Well, because any Bill could play a note on it." 

— Victor Hugo's idea of Paradise is a country where parents are 
always young, and children are always children. 

— A Texas man, while describing a duel with rifles, in which 
he was concerned, said : "I was placed one side of a woods and my ad- 
versary on the other, and told to advance and find each other. After 
creeping cautiously from tree to tree, I saw my man aiming at me, 
and before I could dodge, he fired and missed. I immediately dis- 
charged my rifle in the air." '' That was very noble and generous of 
you," said his companion. " Yes, but I forgot to mention that he 
was up a tree which happened to be in the way of my ball." 

— At a criminal trial in France, where a majority of the jury 
convict, and a very ill-visaged murderer had been acquitted, one of 
the dissenting jury said, " Judge, as I have to pass through a woods 
where this man lives to reach my home, I beg you will have him 
kept in custody until I can get the start of him." 

— Two men were quarreling in a Royal-street bar-room, when 
one called the other " skunk and idiot. '^ " Hold, on ! stop 1" cried a 
peace-maker, " Skunk is enough to call a gentleman without adding 
another word to wound his feelings." 

— Two Congressmen met at a barbei'-shop, when one, while 
looking in the glass and feeling his beard at the same time, said : "The 
worry and responsibility of politics are producing goose wrinkles 
over my face." "So much the better," rejoined his companion, 
" You will soon be goose enough to save the capital." 

— What is Prayer? — (Copied from a scrap-book.) — Prayer is 



66 SCEMfiS AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

the application of want to Him who alone can relieve it ; the voice of 
sin to Him who alone can pardon it. It is the urgency of poverty, 
the prostration of humility, the fervency of penitence, the confidence 
of trust. Not eloquence, but earnestness ; not the definition of help- 
lessness, but the feeling of it ; not figures of speech, but compunction 
of soul. It is the Lord save me or I perish of drowning Peter — the 
cry of faith to the ears of mercy. 

— Conversation between two market women: "Maria, did you 
hear that Sue's husband had been killed by a railroad collision and 
she had recovered five thousand dollars damages from the company?" 
"You don't say so! Well, well ! some folks are too lucky to live!" 

— A mischievous boy, about seven years, behavingone day worse 
than usual, was isent to school for the first time. Two hours later he 
timidly rang the bell at home. His father opened the door and received 
him with a frown, saying: " What brought you back" The child re- 
plied, very humbly : " I come to see if you still love your little Toto." 

— At a dinner given by a parvenue, one of the guests remai^ked : 
" I dined yesterday with a distinguished author, who entertained me 
with an epigram." Mr. Shoddy turned to his cook, who entered the 
dining-room at that moment, and said : "Do you hear that, you rascal ; 
why have you never cooked that dish for me?" 

— Browne told Smith he had been slapped in the face by an in- 
solent stranger in a bar-room. "What? A blow!" cried Smith. 
"The consequences must be serious." "You better believe it. My 
jaws remained swollen for the whole week." 

— The recorder said to a criminal: "What have you got to say 
in your defense?" "Judge, as I have not bored you by employing 
counsel, you ought to be lenient with your sentence." 

— " Two hospital patients complained to the visiting surgeon, 
one that his bowels were too loose, and the other that his were too 
constipated, very well, said the doctor, "Make a compromise and 
meet half way." 

— A judge, somewhat noted for his love of the cup, said to a 
drunkard: "This makes the eighth time you are before me for drunk- 
enness." "Well, Judge, I only drink to forget, but you never forget 
to drink." 



SCftNES AND SETTLERS OP ALABAMA. 67 

— A beggar at the street corner cried out: "Please remember a 
one-armed man," A passer, looking at him, said: "Why do you 
call yourself one-armed, when you have both arms?" "Oh! sir, I 
am representing, temporarily, my friend who has gone to his daugh- 
ter's wedding." 

— A man of low degree was suddenly made rich. Upon being 
asked if he knew Mr. Smith, replied : " Not now ; I knew him before 
I was known." 

— "Pa, please give me money to buy a new umbrella." "What! 
again; why don't you use your old one for fifteen years as I did." 
" But, papa, you had yours repaired." " The repairs are not worth 
mentioning — only twice ; new whalebones, one new silk cover and 
three new handles." 

— An old miser said to his son-in-law: " You don't know what 
a treasure you have in my daughter ; she is such a miracle of economy 
that she refused to have her ears bored." 

— A poor tramp, without relations or friends, entered a large 
fashionable variety store and said to the clerk: " I want to buy some- 
thing elegant." "Please give me an idea of what you want." 
" Never, sir ; I want something to surprise myself with as a birthday 
present." 

— An advertiser said to a marriage contractor: " Are you sure 
the lady I am to marry is worth twenty thousand dollars?" " Yes, I 
am quite sure — -and she has the galloping consumption in addition." 
" But are you dead certain about this? " " Sir, I wish you to under- 
stand our firm is honest, and we always guarantee our goods." 

— A Sunday school-teacher asked a little girl from a vicious 
neighborhood: "What kind of acid the neighbors made most use 
of?" She quickly replied : "Vitriol." 

— A school-teacher said to a class of young girls : "Learn to 
suffer and be patient ; remember the passage of the Bible which tells 
vou when stricken on one cheek to turn the other." A sprightly 
little miss of fifteen cried out : " What must you do when your fellow 
kisses you on one cheek?" 

— ^ " See here," said Jim, reading the newspaper: "here's an-" 
other dead whale drifted ashore on our coast." Then said Mary, 



68 SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 

hesitatingly: "Jim, wouldn't this be a good time for you to buy me 
a cheap whalebone corset?" 

— " See here, Bill Sykes," said Cora, "you have been kissing 
aiid hugging and fumbling about me long enough, for nothing; now, 
from this time, I am going to put a tariff for protection on my goods. 
So, hands off or a new sealskin sack." 

— Jones said he had missed a splendid chance for a bargain at a 
book auction, twenty-four volumes had sold for five dollars. " What 
were the works called?" " They were called Complete Works." 

— A Justice, after marrying a rustic couple, commenced to lec- 
ture them on marital obligations, when suddenly closing the testa- 
ment, he said: " You will soon learn the balance by practice." 

— Smith and Jones were discussing the discipline of militia. 
Smith said the problem of good discipline consists in good soldiers 
and officers, and concluded by saying: " If soldiers without leaders 
are no account, I say, unhesitatingly, that officers without soldiers 
are not worth a continental." 

— A mother remarked to her daughter: " Amelia, taking into 
consideration that you are not yet married, youf intended assumes a 
great deal of authority and seems to want more than you ought to 
yield." "Now, mother, you just hold on — wait until after we are 
made two in one, and I'll show him there's but one in two of us." 

— Names of some of the Anarchist Clubs of Europe: "Land 
and Liberty," "Revolutionary Arena," "The Spoils," "The 
Famished Ghouls," " Nocturnal Shadows," " Fool Death." These 
terms seem to seek something beyond human nature. 

— A housekeeper said to her servant: " Jane, because you acci- 
dentally found the key of the store-room, is not a sufficient excuse for 
you to take as much sugar and coffee as you want without asking 
permission." Jane indignantly replied: "It is your want of confi- 
dence, shown by concealing your key, that induced me to help myself 
whenever I found it." " But, Jane, before I hid the key, you did the 
same thing." " Oh, then, I thought you left the pantry open ex- 
pressly for me to help myself." 

— A composer of a new play was asked if it paid. "If it was 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 69 

not for the manager's stupidity, it would pay well ; he always select* 
nights when there is no audience present for its performance." 

— A good reason assigned for the numerous revolutions going on 
in the world is — That p.eople, like invalids, grow weary of lying in one 
position, and like to turn over in hopes of bettering their condition, j 

— " Little big-headed Sis, seated next to her mother, sewing, 
said : " Mama, why does papa stay away from home and paint pic- 
tures all the time?" Loving wife: "Because poor papa has to try 
to find work to feed you and little sister." " Is that the reason he 
gets drunk all the time, and paints pictures on your face when he 
comes home at night." 

— But a short while back the English people expressed their 
admiration for their Prime Minister Gladstone, by placing the initials 
G. O. M., after his name, which stood for grand old man. But, 
since the fall of Khartoum, they have reversed the letters thus: M. O. 
G., murderer of Gordon. 

— A lawyer said to his son: " Honesty alone is successful in our 
profession. As a proof, a client, by mistake, overpaid me one 
thousand dollars, whereupon I immediately eased my conscience by 
dividing with my partner." 

— A tailor, in presenting his bill for the fifth time to the Duke of 
Castlefort, said: "I must positively have some money." "Why?" 
said the Duke. " Because, I am sued." " Oh, you are sued ; well, 
then, you must have debts." " Of course, I have debts." "Well, 
if you have debts, why do you wish to deprive me of the same 
privilege?" 

— At a fancy dress ball of children, a little fellow, in soldier 
clothes, and a young girl, beautifully dressed as a shepherdess, dodged 
their mothers and took seats at a refreshment table, in imitation of 
grown folks. The liltle soldier, full of self-importance, cried out: 
" Here, you waiter, bring two glasses of sweetened water, and be 
lively about it." 

— The cook said to her young mistress who was entertaining 
company in the parlor: "Missis, there's no onions for seasoning. '' 
" Mary, when you need onions, why don't you go and get them with- 
out bothering me?" " Do try to initiate yourself." " Well, missis, 
where do they sell that seasoning?" 



WILLIAM YOUNG, 

Correspondent and Reporter for the New York 

Herald, with the Army of the Potomac, 

during the war. 

Died of starvation, self-inflicted, at 
Mobile, September, 1885. 

• 
Here lies William Young, who, too proud to 
beg, preferred to wage alone the battle of life. 
The last friend of mankind— a dog, was missing 
at his funeral. A street-wanderer with no other 
refuge than God ; he died on a day propitious to 
tramps, sewers and ducks, without hope, which 
is but the dream of a shadow. 



SCENES AND SETTLERS OF ALABAMA. 7I 

THE PROVIDENCE INFIRMARY, 

justly called the Pride of Mobile, is located on high healthy ground, 
on Broad street, immediately upon the line of the St. Francis-Street 
Railroad, which passes its portals at all hours. 

It is intended not only as an infirmary for the sick and weary- 
laden of all classes and nations, where the best nursing and most able 
medical attendance may be obtained, but also, and, in addition, as a 
genuine substitute for the comforts and tenderest cares of a home and 
family to the stranger and the homeless. 

The grounds whereon these magnificent buildings rest, were 
originally bought by a committee of charitable gentlemen on the i6th 
day of August, 1854, for the Sisters of Charity of Emmettsburg, Md., 
who first erected only a two-and-half-story brick building, which was 
incorporated by act of Legislature before A. D. 1885 — since which this 
structure has grown to its present splendid proportions, purely under 
the prudent management, unremitting labor, self-sacrifices, and devo- 
tion of the ministering Sisters who now guide and control its destinies. 

For a more minute description of the capacities and purposes of 
this institute, I quote a few comments from the letter of a visitor to 
the Infirmary on the 13th day of March, 1876: 

" The Sisters in charge keep this Infirmary fully up to the highest 
standard. Beds, bed linen, floors, furniture, halls, rooms, every- 
thing, from top to bottom, show such scrupulous cleanliness and such 
tasty arrangement as cannot but yield undeniable testimony to the 
presence and tender care of both refined and devoted women. 

" But it is more in the treatment of patients — the long, weary, un- 
recognized hours spent by their bedside, the word of comfort whis- 
pered and hope instilled into faltering, fainting hearts, and the thous- 
and and one other little tokens and cares which tend so adequately to 
supply the absence of home, and the tenderness of kin, that illustrate 
and crown with glory the efforts of these gentle women, who seek no 
other reward than the approval of their own consciences. 

" Providence Infirmary is intended to be, and is, self-sustaining. 
Persons of all creeds are received at moderate charges, and have the 
same attention as Catholics. There is no other religion here than 
that of charity and love. Each patient may consult his own physician 
and receive his own friends and counselors. The mission of these 
women is to alleviate suffering, and minister to diseased minds, and 
right royally do they fulfill their duties. I found here a non-Catholic 
patient who, convalescing under their tender treatment, said to me: 
' Would that the glad tidings were heralded over the country that 
such a place as this is in existence, where suffering humanity may and 
does receive such unselfish attention and devotion.' " 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



GEO. ST. JOHN, 

Pboprietor. 



B. P. ARDOYNO, 

Manager. 



guimF city 

FISH k OYSTER COMP'Y, 




WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS IN 



FISHandOYSTERS 

N. E. Corner Royal and Church Streets, 



07sters in Barrels and Cans Hermetically Sealed. 
FISH ITsT BA.IIRELS. 

Fish and Oysters Delivered in the City 

FREE OF CHARGE. 

MR. PEUE LEMA has charge of our stalls in the market where will be 
found the largest and best assortment of flsh in the city. 

Goods Delivered Sundays Until 11 O'clock. 



Country Orders solicited and promptly attended to. 



P. O. Box 350. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 7J 



CHAS. WASSmUTH, 

ONLY MOBILE AGENT FOR 

The Gerke Brewing Company 



-AND DEALER IN- 



Wines and Liquors. 
NATIVE WINES AND CLARETS 

ALWAYS ON HAND. 

East side Joachim, 2d north Conti street, 



B. CORRAIiZSS, 

MANUFACTURER AND IMPORTER OF 



— AND DEALER IN — 

Northeast corner Royal and St. Michael Sts., 

METZGER BROS. 

—EXCLUSIVE DEALERS IN— 

HIDES, WOOL. FURS, BEESWAX, &o. 

21 & 23 south Commerce and 20 & 22 south Front St, 



74 ADVERTISEMENTS. 

GULF CITY COAL AND WOOD CO., 

JOHN O'DONNELL, PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER. 

All Grades of ANTHRACITE and BITUMINOUS COAL 

Sold at the lowest market prices. 
PEACH ORCHARD, GRATE AND NUT SIZES, in lots to suit customers. 

BLACK JACK, OAK, CANE ASH and LIGHTWOOD, constantly on hand. 
Sole agents for the sale of the celebrated UNDERWOOD COAL. 
J^'Families and hotels supplied on short notice. 



'9 
CHARLES P. FREDERIC, PROPRIETOR, 

A Family Resort at the End of the 

BAY SHELL ROAD. 



This road is known all over the world to be one of the finest roads 
and most beautiful drives in existence. Right at the end of the road, on 
the bay shore and over the water, the buildings for the entertainment of 
visitors are erected. Ball rooms, bar, bath houses, supper rooms, etc., 
are of the best and liberally supplied with every comfort required. Mr. 
Frederic's bar is as well stocked with choice liquors as any in town, and 
he understands preparing very delicate little suppers at moderate prices. 
South End is the reward of a six-mile drive which one must try to gain. 

J. ImOWENTELAIm c£ GO'S 

VARIETY STORE, 

93 & 95 DAUPHIISr ST., 

HATS, GENT'S FURNISHING GOOOS, LACES AND EMBROIDERIES, TOYS, 
NOUVELLETTES, of every description. 

Everything a person wants can be purchased here and at as low figures 
as in New York. Mr. Lowenthal is a close buyer and liberal seller. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



75 



TEE BITTLE HOOSE 

Will open on or about the 25th of October, 1885, 

Under the same successful management as last season. 




This building is a huge structure, centrally located, on the corner of 
Royal and St. Francis streets, direstly opposite the Post Office and Cus- 
tom House, and midway between all the railroad depots and the steam- 
boat landings. It was entirely renovated, repainted and refurnished a 
few months ago, and contains all the conveniences and modern improve- 
ments of the best and latest constructed hotels of New York, such as 
elevators, incandescent lights in the parlors, dining rooms, halls, billiard, 
bar and bath rooms. 

It has accommodations for over six hundred guests, and its present 
manager, Mr. C. D. Barnes, has had the experience of many years in the 
business, which he has so successfully managed as to stand at the head 
of his profession. 

The Mobile market is the finest of the world, and Mr. Barnes is its 
most liberal and unstinted patron. 

The chief clerk, Clifton A. E. Merritt, is well and favorably known, 
having been connected with the Metropolitan Hotel of New York. 

Some one has said : " That every guest who leaves the Battle House 
becomes a walking and talking advertisement of its merits. 



'j6 ADVERTISEMENTS. 



BUDOLPH BENZ, 

Architect and Superintendent 

Plans, Specifications for Public and Private Buildings, 

Estimates and Bills of Ciuantities for all kinds of Stmcture Furnished. 

Mr. Benz has fifteen years of experience as arcliitect. He is a 
graduate of the Poly technical School of Stuttgart, Germany, and com- 
bines science with practical conceptions of the most beautiful designs 
and creations in his structures, when given carte blanche. He left his 
mark in Chicago and St. Louis and New York in handsome buildings, 
previous to his present location in Mobile, where he has lived for fifteen 
years, during which, he has erected and designed many of our best 
works. The Athelstan Masonic Club, McCoy's and Bush's residences on 
Government street. Mobile Cotton Exchange, designed and superin- 
tended; Collegiate Institute at Greenville, Ala., Dr. Ketchum's Drug 
Store, Market and Engine House at Greenville, Ala., Court House at 
Brewton, Court House at Quitman, Miss., are some of his designs and 
works, while many others are engaged and specifications furnished. 

The public in securing Mr. Benz's services, will find that, in addi- 
tion to science of the highest order, they will have the pleasure of deal- 
ing with a gentleman. 

M. T. 8PEAGUE & CO, 

DRUGS, CHEMICALS, 

Spices, Sodas, Peppers, Oils and Paints, 

IMPORTERS AND WHOLESALE DEALERS IN 

Trusses, Surgical Instruments, Landreth's Garden Seed, &c., 

No. 76 DAUPHIN STREET, 

MOBILE, ALA. 



Myron Sprague commenced as drug clerk to the old and reliable 
firm of George Coster & Co. during the terrible epidemic of 1853. Since 
then, by close application and efficiency, he stands at the head of one of 
the largest Drug and Seed establishments in the South. His fair dealing, 
knowledge of the business and promptness in filling orders, has received 
one of the largest country trades of the State. All orders sent to his 
firm will be attended to as well as if the purchaser was present in person. 
We cordially commend the house of M. T. Sprague & Co. to the public. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



71 




FRENCH 



WIN[ COCIi. 



Tlip ronaiieror of disease, promotes health and longevity, cnres and prevents Neural- 
gia NervoSsf Wakef iliiess Hysterics. Hvpocliondria, loss of Appetite, dyspepsia, Blues 
f'mUStion ITveV Con aint Kidney Disekies. Mental and Physical Depress on (general 
feoi'i^s Debil tv MusXr^U^^^^ It gives power to the hraiii and ^trengt i to the en- 
tirpiie rvmis svstein flrinness and elasticity to the muscles and richness to the b ood. Ex- 
hihuates^'the mind^^ life/brings health and joy to the afflicted with mental 
or physical exhaustion. 

O O O ^9l. -V^T I 2\r E3 

i« a flpliffhtful tonic and permanent invigorator. Kenews the vigor of youth to the old 
and feeWe emlSl !^^^^^^ lay the most eminent medical men. Coca regu- 

fates the bowels liver and kidneys to perfection, and is a " boon to suffering humanity." 
One trldvv'iUconVicrthe skeptical Thousands have been restored to health and happi- 
ness The greaeTbTessnir^^^^^^^ old and teeble. As agreeable to take as a glass of fine 
sherry wine" and cure's rapTdly. Read pamphlet on the ^Ii>"''"^'' e^^itj^j.^f/'^g^f ^'^'^ 
Tamiana and coca Wine. gnie^PronfiV.t trs^ifd Ma.uigers^At^^^^^^^ 

oTvanjaitfTWERP, 

WHOLESALE AND BETAIL DEALEE IN 

Drugs, Medicines, Chemicals, &c., 

S. W. Corner Royal and Dauphin Streets, 

MOBILE, ALA. 



Fresh Garden Seeds a Specialty. 



Mr. VtanAawerp, the scucessor of George Coster, was for many years 

associated with that firm in the drug business. He is scientific 

and reliable druggist, whose reputation for accuracy in 

precriptions is well sustained. 



7S A.&VfiRTISEMKNTrs. 



H, M. Feirnd, President. Thos. Barclay, Secretary. 

THE MOBILE 

LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, 

OF mobile:, ^la. 

INCOBPOKATED 1871. 

ASSETS OVEE S600,000. 

THE SCIENTIFIC DAUBERS, 
CHAUDROIff iSk LUSGHBR, 

HOUSE, SIGN AND DECORATIVE PAINTERS, 
PAPER HANGERS, and PAINTERS' SUPPLIES, 

HAVE TAKEN A NEW DEPARTURE. 



Appreciating the wants, and submitting to the demands of our 
numerous customers, we will in future keep on hand a full supply of 

A\^A^LL PAPiiRS, 

and having secured the services of a First-Class Paper Hanoer, are 
prepared to contract for all work in that line. 

As in the past, in our General Painting Business, we will adhere 
strictly to ARTISTIC AND FIRST-CLASS WORK. 

We wish to thank our many friends and patrons for their kind atten- 
tion and confidence given us in our past dealings. Respectfully, etc., 

GHAUDBON & LUSCHEB, 

40 OAUrMIN (STREET. 



McDonald, march & co., 



AND manufacturers OF 

MONUMENTS, TOMBS, GRAVESTONES, 

MANTELS, &c., 

Terms Cash.— All work warranted as represented. 

Royal street, east side, bet. St. Louis and St. Anthony, 

Mobile, Ala. 




AttVfiRtiSEMENTS. 79 



Vff. B. VAII«, 

Grocer AND Importer. 

Established 1846. 

Nos. 70 and 72 DAUPHIN STREET, 

MOBILE, ALA. 

AGENT FOR 

CELEBRATED BUDWEISER BEER, 

Seignomette et Frere's CLARETS and WHITE WINES, 

PETER OAKES' CELEBRATED CANDIES. 



THE LARGEST STOCK OF 

FINE OLD WINES AND LHjUORS AND TABLE DELICACIES 

TO BE FOUND IN THE STATE. 

Both Mr. Vail and his groceries deserve all the immense patronage 
which they receive from botli the city and country. 

A fresh and constantly renewing stock of the costliest and finest 
delicacies of the world are kept coming and going. These delicacies are 
imported directly from the first manufacturers of Europe and the world, 
and are sold for just what they are. When you ask for a getiuine article 
you are sure to get it. No imitation is ever permitted to be palmed off 
on a purchaser. This is specially the case in the fine wines and liquors 
imported by Mr. Vail. Wnen either the proprietor or his efficient staff 
tell you that a wine or liquor is of such a brand, you may rest assured of 
their statement. This is certainly a high recommendation, when decep- 
tions are so easily and often practiced without detection. 

This firm deserves all the patronage it receives. 



8o ADVERTISEMENTS. 



BILLING'S SALOON 

Uo. 15 Royal Street, 



This is without exception the best patronized drinking saloon in 
Mobile, and deservedly so. Charley perfectly understands how to please 
competent judges of good liquors and wines. He is a judge himself, and 
both knowingly and liberally buys only the best, and in such large 
quantities as to give time an opportunity to mellow his liquors before 
they are consumed. There is a 

Comfortable Sitting Room 

in the rear of the bar where his guests may not only pleasantly and com- 
fortably indulge in the cheerful cup, but where they may, at the same 
time, amuse themselves with various games, or transact the ordinary 
business of the day. In fact, this is a kind of exchange room where you 
may meet at certain times during the day most of the business men of 
the town. 

Strange to say that, although this is a bar-room, the utmost order 
and courtesy prevail between the guests and the proprietor and his gen- 
tlemanly assistants. This fact is a voucher both for the management 
and its patrons. 

OO TO CH-A.R LEY'S 

If You Want Good Liquors Mixed Willi Good Service. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



Si 



J. B. PIDAL, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

G I G A R S ^"^---^"-^ TOBACCO, 















■\ 








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S^^^Il^k^^skWm^ vjSH^ ^ 




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gs-^ 


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HBB^^^Bh^^^^^^^^HBsQJS^} 



A FULL ASSORTMENT OF THE 



a?- ox Gt j^ 

ALWAYS ON HAND, ESPECIALLY OF 
HAVANA FILLERS. 

No. 9 N. Royal Street, MOBILE, ALA 



82 ADVERTISEMENTS. 



The Mammoth Dry Goods Store of Mobile. 
L. HAMMEL & CO., 

Nos 37, 41 and 43 Dauphin Street, 

Wholesale awd Retail Dealers in 

AMERICAN, FRENCH AND ENGLISH 



THE LARGEST STOCK. THE BEST VARIETY. 

Send for samples and prices. 

JOHN A. NICHOLAS & CO., 

Wheelright, General Blacksmithing, Horse Shoeing 

AND JOBBING WORK DONE. 

All orders promptly attended to at reasonable prices. 
No. 61 WATER STREET, 

Cor. Smith's Alley. 



FEED. HALL, 

DEALER IN 

N. W. Cor. Royal and St. Michael Sts.. 

Mr. Hall has been in this business for many years, not only supply- 
ing a large city trade, but also the public buildings belonging to the 
United States, who have given him the preference on account of his good 
faith and the excellent quality of his coal. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



83 




JOHN MANDICH, 

LODGINGS :^RESTAURANT, 

No. 26 ROYAL STREET, 
Grood Fare and. Comfortable R,ooms 

TO BE HAD AT ALL HOURS. 

This is one of the oldest and best eating houses in the city. 

H. HAENY & SON, 
BARBBRS and HAIR GUTTBRS^ 

XJNDER THE BATTLE HOUSE. 



This saloon is nicely furnished and conveniently located on the south 
side of the front entrance to the Battle House. The bath rooms are under 
their charge, and are kept clean and always ready. 

Everything here is both well and courteously done. 

LOUIS MONNIN, 
BUILDER AND MANUFACTURER OF 

Doors, Blinds and Sashes^ 

MANUFACTORY at the N. W. cor. Augusta and Royal Streets. 

EESIDENCE-No. 222 DAUPHIN STREET. 
Mr. Monnin is well known, both for ability and reliability. 



§4 ADVERTISEMENTS. 

HY6EIA HOTEL, 

CITRONELLE, MOBILE COUNTY, ALA. 

The Pioneer WINTER AND HEALTH RESORT of Alabama. 

ALTITUDE 360 FEET. 

DRY, SANDY SOIL. PURE, DRY ATMOSPHERE. PURE SPRING 

WATER. BUILDINGS IN PINE GROVE. FIRST-CLASS 

ACCOMMODATIONS. 



$2.00 to $2.50 per Day. $10.00 to $15.00 per Week. 

Descriptive Circular sent on application. 
DR. J. O. MICHAEL, Proprietor. 



DEALER IN 



Clothing and Gent's Furnishing Goods, 

Cor. ROYAL AND DAUPHIIV STIiEEXS, 

Mr. Pincus carries one of the largest and finest stocks of clothing in 
the city. He has been in the business for many years and possesses the 
confidence of all buyers. 

JAiaHS F. SMART, 

Suppljes Ships, Steamboats and Families all over the City. 

ORDERS DELIVERED FREE OF CHARGE. 

This gentleman ia Wf H named— SMART— it t£j,Iies a Smarter to beat him 

in his line. 



ADVERTISSMKNTS. 85 




PAUL GILARDONI, 

PROPBIRTOR OF THE 

Meictianls' Exchange Saloon 

AND 

16 Daupbin St., Mobile, Ala. 

Keeps the finest stock o! Wines, Liquors and 

Cigars in the city. Meals served in 

first-ciass style. 

Depot of Buckingham Whiskies. 



RUBY HOTEL 
Saloon and Restaurant, 

H. D. LONG, Proprietor, 

MONTGOMERY, ALA. 
DAN. STIRLING, 

PhcBnix Shaving I Hair-Dressing Saloon, 

And the only place in the city where 

PtA.ILR.OJLID TIOKZETS 

Are exchanged, bought and sold, 

13 N. Royal St., opp. Battle House, MOBILE, ALA. 



86, ADVERTISEMENTS. 



A CHANCE TO PURCHASE, AT A LOW FIGURE, 

ABOUT 2,000 ACRES LAND, 

. SUITABLE FOR 

VEGETABLE TRUCK FARM. 

ABOUT 640 ACRES 

CYPRESS TIMBER LAND. 

Four Miles Good Oyster Beds, 

PA.RTIA.LLY 

PLANTED IN OYSTERS, 

OWNED BY 

MOBILE, ^T^A. 

ESPALLA & HAYNIE, Agents. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 87 



SAM. D. BLOCH, 



Buggies, Phaetons, Spring and Farm Wagons, 

Children's Carriages, Harness and Saddlery. 

IsTO. S KT O PI X H "W".A.TEIl S T H E E T , 

COR. EXCHANGE ALLEY. 

Sole agency Celebrated Studebaker Wagon. MOBILE, ALA. 




HOME INDUSTRY FOUITDHY, 

S. E. Cor. Water and State Streets, Mobile, Ala. 

MANUFACTURER OF 

Engines, Boilers, Mills and all ©ther Machinery, 

Steam and Water Pipe Fittings, Brass and Iron Castings of all kinds, Light 
and Heavy forgings, iron Railing, Cemetery Fences, Verandahs, 
Office Railing, Fronts, Doors, Shutters, Etc. 
Prompt attention given to repairing. All Country Orders promptly 
attended to. GEO. C. HYATT, Foreman. 

PRESS SALOON, 

No. 37 NORTH ROYAL STREET, 

MOBILE, ALA. 

1A7INEIS, LIQUORS and CIGARS, 

COOL LAGER BEER A SPECIALTY. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



MAKUFAOTUEER OF 

Mineral and Soda Waters, 

Franklin, tet. Dauphin and St. Francis Sts. 

FOUNTAINS CHARGED WITH DISPATCH. 

AND WARRANTED TO GIVE SATISFACTION. 

E. GABBE & BBO. 



• 
MANUFAOTUR OF 



Mineral and Soda Waters, 

MER.IDIA.N, MISS. 

FOUNTAINS CHARGED WITH DISPATCH, 

AND WARRANTED TO GIVE SATISFACTION. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 89 

J.. E. HOOPER, 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL 
PACKER AND SHIPPER OF 

FISH. OYSTERS 




.^]Nri> 



G^JL^ 



Nos. 10, 12 AND 18 CONTI STREET, 

MOBILE, ALA. 



This young gentleman is well and favorably known all over the 
South. 

All orders addressed to him for anything in his line will be promptly 
and reliably filled. 

J. E. Hooper is a judge of good things, having been raised upon them, 
and his customers can rest assured they will have the full benefit of his 
knowledge in these matters. 

In fact, he is not at all sZ/el/fish about it. Give Jack a call. 



9© ADVERTISEMENTS. 



Have You seen the New High Arm 

SIHSrOEK, SEWinSTG!- I^A-OKEIlSrE, 

It is VERY LIGHT RUNNING and makes the finest stitch of any 

Machine. 

CALL, EXAMINE AND BE CONVINCED. 

Singer needles, 15 cents per dozen ; two dozen for 25 G^nts. Shuttles, 
25 cents. Oil, 5 cents per bottle. Postage extra. 

mcrall's Bazaar Patterns. 
THE SINGER MANUFACTURING COMPANY, 

67 OAU*»HIM STKECX, OTOBIL.E, AL.A. 

IV. CRA.NE:, Manager. 



W. N. HITOHCOCK, 

Ship Chandler and Grocer, 

Cordage, Canvas, Blocks, Oars, Oakum, Pitch, 

PAINTS, TAR AND OILS. 
GENERAL SUPPLIES FOR STEAM AND SAILING VESSELS. 

SOUTH COMMERCE STREET, 



JAS. VITORTHIIVrGTOn^ 

—WHOLESALE AND RETAIL— 

— C3r H O O E3 1=1. — 



Southwest corner Conception and Palmetto Sts. 
-DEALER IN— 

FINE WINES, BEER and LIQUORS. 

This is one of the most Popular Grocers in town, and has a very large 
trade, both of country and city. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 9 1 

MOBILE CIGAR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, 

B. FROHLICHSTEIN & CO., 



I»ROE»RIEXOrtS, 

MANUFACTURERS OF 



HAVANA AND DOMESTIC CIGARS, 

No. 9 South Water Street, 

CUBAN HANDWORK. MOBILE, ALA. 



^J^" In calling attention to the card of the Mobile Cigar Factory, 
B. Frohlichstein & Co., Proprietors, we do so with pride, not only having 
the largest capacity in the State, but for the general satisfaction given 
by the excellent quality of cigar they manufacture. Among which we 
call attention to a few of their leading brands: "Our Greatest Key 
West King," "ElMehjor," Florida Perfection," "No. 55," "No. 21,'' 
"First Prize," "Fidelia Club," &c., and can recommend them to con- 
sumers of the weed. 

CHRIS. SMITH'S BANK SALo6lNl7 

NORTHWEST CORNER CONTI AND ROYAL STREETS. 




L. H GREEN & CO,, 

WHOLESALE 

OYSTER W PACKERS. 

EARLY VEGETABLES A SPECIALTY. 
48 SOUTH WATER ST., Iv^OBILE, -A.I.A.. 



92 ADVERTISEMENTS. 



GEO. F. WEKBOBN, 
FURNITURE, 

INTERIOR DECORATION, 

0-A.PtFETI3SrC3-, 

Nos. 143 and 145 Dauphin Street, 

MOBILE, ALA. 

ANGELO ARATA, 

VKRY CHOICE 

FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC LIQUORS. 

FINE BRANDS OP CIGARS AND TOBACCOS. 

Fresh Beer on Ice. 

OOLD LXJITOHES. 
PIES AND CAKES ALWAYS ON HAND. 

No. 64 North Commerce Street, 

MOBILE, ALA. 

Established 1854. 

PETER BROWN, 
Carpenter and Cabinet- Maker, 

STEAM FACTORY : Nos. 12 and 14 ContI Street, 

]m:oi5iil.e:, ala. 

Scroll Sawing and Turning. Dealer in Walnut and Mahogany Lumber. 

Bar, Office and Store Fictures a specialty. Billiard Tables reduced to 

any size. Designs in Cabinet-Making unsurpassed by any one else. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



93 




CARROL STEWART has a good thing and he wants the 
public to know it. 

A New fieslaufaot in the Finest Building of tlie City, 

The Old Bank of Mobile, Cor. Royal and Conti Sts., 

Centrally located between all Railroad Stations and Steam- 
Boat Landings, opposite the Mobile Theatre, 

IS WHAT HE OFFERS TO THE PUBLIC. 

Everything in and about these spacious eating rooms are new except 
the proprietor, who is old in the art and science of cookery and elegant 
service. 

If the writer knows anything, he knows good cooking, and when he 
honestly tells the people and strangers they can have it here, in the best 
style and variety and served oy avery courteous caterer, they will believe 
him enough to go and see for themselves, and when they come away 
each man will be Cal.'s best advertiser. 

Even well prepared viands loose relish when served in a dingy, bad 
smelling eating room. This is entirely avoided here, for it is the nicest 
and freshest dining room to be found in either Mobile or New Orleans. 



i^-CAL. AIN'T AFRAID TO ADVERTISE EITHER. -^ 



94 ADVERTISEMENTS. 



Williams & Glennon, 
Real Estate and Insurance Agents, 

ADCTIONEERS AND BROKERS, 

AND DEALERS IN -^- 

Money^ Stochs and Bonds^ 

60 ST. FRANCIS STREET, 

MOBILE, ALA. 

HENRY DEHLER, 

Successor to J. C. Gwin, 

BROOM FACTORY. 

All Kinds of Brooms made to Order and Fully Guaranteed. 
No. 10 ST. LOUIS STREET, 

A. A. VOSS, 

Only BONDED INSPECTOR and GUA&ER of 

Turpentine, Rosin ^^^ Naval Stores, 

OFFICE-19 SOUTH COMMERCE STREET, 
UP STAIRS, MOBILE, ALA. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 95 




LIVERY STABLES. 

Nos. 43 & 45 North Royal Street, 

NEXT TO THE THEATRE, 

Will, upon orders left either at their Stables or at the Baggage Transfer 
Office at the Battle House, furnish 

TOURISTS AND STRANGERS 

With first-class TUENOUTS, either SINGLE or DOUBLE, with polite 

and careful drivers. 

TERMS MODERATE. ORDERS SOLICITED. 



Mobile Baggage Transfer Company, 

OFFICE UNDER THE BATTLE HOUSE, 

TRANSFERS PASSENGERS OR BAGGAGE TO AND FROM 
TRAINS AND STEAMBOATS, 

Omnibus and Baggage Wagons sent for passengers and baggage at 
all hours upon orders left either at the office of the Company, or at Alba 
& Carmelich's Livery Stables, next to the Mobile Theatre. 

BAGGAGE CHECKED THROUGH TO ALL POINTS. 



96 ADVERTISEMENTS. 

MRS. L C. BARNES, 



Successor to the late Chauncy Bahness, 



Photogragh and Fine Art Gallery, 

— COPYING DONE IN ANY STYLE OR FINISH — 

PLAIN INDIA INK, PASTEL, CRAYON AND OIL. 

LOWEST PRICES GUARANTEED. 

85 Dauphin Street, MOBILE, ALA. 

The late Chauncy Barnes was a pupil of Prof. Morse, the great Elec- 
trician, and of Prof. Avery, of Hamilton College, New York. 

Mr. P. P. Paul, from the Washburne Gallery, New Orleans, whose 
knowledge of this science excels any other artist in the South, is at the 
head of the establishment. 

The Art Gallery was especially constructed to facilitate work in the 
finer branches of art. 

J^~ The public are invited to call and examine our specimens. "^ 

MEYER'S SALOON, 

The Coolest Anheuser Beer and Finest Wines, Liquors 

And Cigars in the City. 
JOS. JOSSEIV, r»r-opriei:or. 

Nos. 4 and 6 ST. EMANUEL STEEET, MOBILE, ALA. 

YOUNG & CO., 

PLUMBERS AND GAS-FITTERS, 

PROMPT ATTENTION. GOOD WORK. 

REASONABLE PRICES. 

No. 40 NOR-TH ROYAL SXREESX, 

MOBILE, ALA. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 




DEALER IN FAMavTANCY GROCERIES, 



'Wines, Xjioiuiors a^nci Oi^ftx-s, 

HAY, CORN, OATS, BRAN AND COUON SEED MEAL. 



MEATS. 

Ferrice's Hams, 
Ferrice's Breakfast Bacon, 
Ferrice's Mild Cured Sides, 
Magnolia Hams, 
California Hams, 
Sugar-Cured Shoulders, 
Bacon Shoulders, 
Dry Shoulders, 
Kosher Sausage, 
Kosher Beef, 
Pork Sausage, 
Bologna Sausage, 
Pickled Beef, 

&c., &c. 



A full assortment of 

CANNED GOODS, 

and of the best brands. 



BUTTER. 

Special attention is called to our 

FRESH JERSEY BUTTER, 

from W.B. Montgomery's farm, and 

A. & M. College Creamery, 

Starkville, Miss., 

AND BEST ELGIUM CREAMERY. 

Also— To our variety of 

JELLIES AND PRESERVES, 

especially those we sell by the 

pound. 

LA. SYRUPS and MOLASSES. 

CEREALS. 

Best brands of 
Flour, Oat Meal, 

Barley, Cracked Wheat, 

Wheaten Grits, Farina, 
Pearl Sago, Tapioca, &c. 



A SUPERIOR QUALITY OF COFFEE, BLACK AND GREEN TEAS. 

ROASTED COFFEE A SPECIALTY, 
GIVE US A CALL. 

S. E. COR. DAUPHIN AND CLAIBORNE STS., MOBILE, ALA. 

Goods delivered in any part of city, free of charge. 



98 ADVERTISEMENTS. 

JAS. ^W".^A.NiELL & CO., 

THE FAMOUS 

School Books, Stationery, Toys and General Variety Goods, 
114 and 116 3D AXJPETIN ST. 

There is no establishineiit in Mobile nioi-e widely known th;in tliat of J AS. W. DANIELF. 
& CO. It is a houseliold word, and is associated by tlie little lolks willi Kris-Krinkle and 
Santa Claus. Tlie toys, wares and fancy articles in wliicli tbis tirni deals have made many a 
bright eye grow brighter, and tilled countless homes with a wealth of sunshine. 

A full line of imported and domestic goods, a variety of Dolls, Vases, Albums, Plated 
Ware, Brackets, Picture Frames, Chromos, Hammocks, Children's Carriages, Crocjuet, 
Base Balls, Notions and Fancy Goods of every description are always kept on hand to suit 
the trade. In the whole range of Toys, Faiicy Goods. Notions and Sundries, it would be 
difficult to name an article not procurable here. Prices are very reasonable, while the 
character of their goods is first-class, and just what they are represented to be. Customers 
are served with the utmost courtesy and attention, and visitors are always welcome. 

^r- PIANOS AND ORGANS A SPtK'IALTY. 

E. L. C^AHALL, 
BELL-HANGER and LOCKSMITH, 

AND DEALEE IN 

Electric Hotel Annunciators and House Bells. 

No. 146 DAUPHIN St., Mobile, Ala. 

I am prepared to fit up Hotels and Dwellings with the new Electric Bells at prices as low 
as can be done North or South. Orders solicited from everywhere. 

CHOSBY & HARRIS, 
CHEAP GROCERY HOUSE, 

GEOCEEIES RETAILED AT 

^WHOLESA-LE PRICES 

Southwest Corner Conception and Dauphin Streets. 

VESABLE 8u heymaS, ^ 
importers and distillers, 

The Only Distillers of the Suckingham Whiskey, and defy competition 
as to Purity of their Liquors. 

B, lu. aioGllVlVIlS .AGENT FOK SOUTHERN STATES. 

SOLE AGENTS IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA for Messrs. Alphonse Dupin 
& Cie., Cognac, Fr.ance, Champagne Cognac ; Messrs. Bertal & Martin Freres, Bordeaux, 
France, Clarets and Sauternes ; Mess, Meyer & Cohlenz IMngen, a Kh., Rhine and Moselle 
Wines; R. C. Ivison. Xerez de la Frontera, Spain, Gotas de Oro Sherries; Mess. Silva & 
Cosens, Oporto, Portugal, for their celebrated Dow Ports; Mess. John de Kuyper & Zoon, 
Rotterdam, White Fawn (iin; Mess. Wm. H. Chaplin & Co., London, London Dock Jamaica 
Rums; Johannisbruunen, Nassau, Germany, Natural Mineral Waters. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 99 



NEW ORLEANS BOOT AND SHOE 
MANUFACTORY, 

No. 22 DEXTHIR iL VENUE, 
MONTGOMERY, ALA. 

BOOTS aDl SHOES MaJe to Order at New Orleans Prices. 

All Uoods ^Varranted as Represented. 



YUNG'S, 

ThG Best RGStaurant 




Open Day and Night. 

iiHPmiiiisipmiits, 

D. FLBMinCr^ Proprietor^ 
MONTGOMERY, ALA. 

THE WHITE STAR TOWING COMPANY, 

OF MOBILE, ALA., 

W. C. SPOTS^A^OOD, Manager, 

OFFICE: No. 4 NORTH COMMERCE STREET, Up Stairs. 
JAS. A, WRIGHT, COL. R. INGALL8, DAISY. 

(^"Orders for towing vessels or timber promptly attended to, at reasonable rates. 
L.ofC. 



lOO ADVERTISEMENTS. 



inrASHINGTON 

Fire and Marine Insurance Co. 

Capital and Surplus - $150^000. 

OFFICERS : 

LOUIS TOUART, President. JOHN H. HIGLEY, Secretary. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 

Jas. McDonnell, John Bowen, J. B. Davis, 

P. C. Hannan^ C. G. Richaeds, G. L. Hopkins, 

Louis Touakt, Jno. H. Higley, P. Bukke. 



Mercantile Insurance Co., 

O.A.JPITA.1^, - #100,000. 

OFFICERS: 

H, M. Friend, Pres't. J. B. Davis, Vice Pres't. Jno. H. Higley, Sec'y. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 

H. M. Friend, J. B. Davis, F. J. McCoy, 

G. L. Hopkins, P. C. Hannan, Caleb Toxey, 

L. C. Fry, Jno, H. Higley, D. R. Burgess. 

Applications for fire insurance solicited for the above Companies. 

In making applications for insurance give standing of applicant, 
diagram of risk with exposures, occupancy of entire building, value of 
the property, amount of incumbrance (if any), names of the Companies 
on the risk and amounts they carry, Board rate (if any), and any other in- 
formation you have regarding the risk. 

Send forms with applications. 

JNO. H. HIGLEY, Secretary, 

42 'St. Francis Street, MOBILE, ALA. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 101 



CiLiaPBEXiIi HOUSE, 

MRS. W. C. STRIBLING, Proprietress. 
CONTI STREET, BETWEEN ROYAL AND WATER STREETS, 

BOARD BY THE DAY, WEEK OR MONTH. 
NEW FURNITURE AND BEDDING IN EVERY ROOM. 

THIS E07SE iS CONVENIENT TO THE BAILSOAD SEFOT, THEATBE AND CEUBCHES. 

Col. W. C. Stribling was a member of the legislature from Washington 
Co., and is favorably known all through the State. The card of Mrs. 
Stribling, his wife, as proprietress of the Campbell House, will be 
sufficient to induce their many and numerous friends to give them a call. 

J. HO WL ANdTjR., 

-A. XJ O T I <3 KT E: £3 FL 

AND 

REAL ESTATE AGENT, 

No. 20 ST. MICHAEL STREET, 
MOBILE, ALA. 

Persons having Eeal Estate or Personal Property for sale privately or at 
auction will do well to see me before making other arrangements, 

CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED. 



THOS. P. MILLER & GO,, 

BANKERS, 

DEAW BILLS ON NEW YOKK, ON NEW ORLEANS, ON ST. 

LOUIS, ON PARIS AND THE PRINCIPAL CITIES 

OF EUROPE. 



BUY AND SELL UNITED STATES, STATE AND CITY BONDS. 

COLLECTIONS MADE ON ALL POINTS. 

DISCOUNT FIRST-CLASS BUSINESS PAPER. 

RECEIVE MONEY ON DEPOSIT SUBJECT TO CHECK. 

INTEREST PAID ON SPECIAL TIME DEPOSITS. 



102 ADVERtlSfiMENTS. 



-INCORPORATED 1866. 



MOBILE MUTUAL 

INSURANCE COMPANY, 

OF MOBILE, ALA. 



Home Office, 26 St. Michael Street. 



Cash Capital, $125,00 00 

Surplus, June 30, 1885, 23.161 25 



BOARD OF DIRECTORS : 

W. H. GARDNER, T. T. TYREE, 

E. S. FERRYMAN, R. MOORE, 

T. S. INGERSOLL, J. W. WHITING, 

B. KAHN. 

W. H. GARDNER, President. F. L. GLOVER, Secretary. 



R INGE SMITH, 



Attorney-at-Law, 



OFFICE: No. 40 NORTH ROYAL STREET. 



SOUTHEAST OOENEE EOYAL AND GOVERNMENT STREETS, 
Opposite Court House, and only two sciuares distant from all the 

Railroad depots. 

PLEASANT ROOMS AND WELL FURNISHED TABLE. 

Board $1.50 to $2. GO per diem. 

GUESTS CAN FII>II> HER£ ALL, THE COMFORTS OF HOOTE. 

MRS. A. GETS, Proprietress. 



Am^ERTlSfiMfiNTS. 



101 



Mobile Hair and Millinery Store, 

No. 99 DAUPHIN STREET, 

MOBILE, ALA. 

Mrs. El. QUII^riVr^ Proprietress. 

Zephyr Worsted and Java Canvas on hand. 

Fullest satisfaction guaranteed. 



MAISON FRANCAISE, 



MME. VIRGINIE LAMBERT, 




3^TO. ISO ID^A-TJIPJEillsr STItEET, 
MOBILE, ALA. 



104 ADVteRttSKMJENtS. 



ST. FRANCIS REFECTORY, 

No. 52 ST FRANCIS STREET, 

(Next floor east of L. & N. R. R. Oflioe.j 

HOT AND COLD LUNCHES SERVED AT ALL HOURS, 

For both Ladies and Gentlemen. 

AL.L. DEIilCACIES MAY BE FOUND HERE. 

Both strangers and citizens are invited to give a trial to this excellent 
refreshment saloon, which is under the management of an accomplished 
and experienced lady. Charges are moderate and service unexcelled. 



The Modern Dyeing and Scouring Establishment. 

FERNAND S. FREDERIC, 

358 r>A.UP»HIlV STREET, IWrOBILE, ALA. 

Liadies', Oents' and Children's Clothes cleaned by the chemical Dry 
Process Tirithout taking' to pieces, and warranted not to shrink. 

Feathers bleached, dyed and curled. Parasols cleaned and dyed. Silks, Velvets, fine Laces, 

Lace Curtains, Cashmeres, Blankets, etc. Odorless Glove cleaning by a new 

and special process. Dyes warranted fast. 

1^" All city or country work entrusted to me will receive careful and prompt attention. "=©11 



PAUIi RAVSSIKS, 

UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER, 



-AND- 



OFFICE-THIRD STORY OF THE CUSTOM HOUSE, 

Southwest Corner. 

JAKE MEYER 

THE HATTER, 

SOUTHEAST CORNER ROYAL AND DAUPHIN STS. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. I05 

THOS- WAGNER, 

PRACTICAL PLUMBER AND GAS FITTER. 

GOOD WORK AND REASONABLE PRICES. 

PROMPT ATTENTION. 
No. 39 ROYAL STREET, NEXT TO THEATRE 



GO TO TONSMEIRE'S. 

OW estalsM Grocer and Importer. 

You ^vill find an entire new stock of Groceries and 

Canned Goods for sale. 

No. ISO DAUPHIN STREET, 

MOBILE, ALA. 



RAILROAD EXCHANGE, 

No. 44 COMMERCE STREET, 
PAUL ARATA, Proprietor. 

— IMPORTER OF— 
—AND DEALER IN — 

BEER AND CIDER ON ICE. 



PAUL ARATA, 

NORTHWEST CORNER OF ROYAL AND ADAMS STREETS. 

— IMPOKTER OF— 
—AND DEALER IN— 

BEER AND CIDER ON ICE. 



lo6 AfiVEftTISfiMfiMTSi 



2Sj^I:>E3ZS. C&3 <DO'9 

DEALERS AND IMPORTERS OF DIAMONDS, 

WATCHES, CLOCKS, FINE JEWELRY. . 

Opera Glasses, Sterling Silverware, Spectacles and Fancy Novelties. 

Chronftmeters cleased, repaired and rated. Rate: ascertained \y transit. Fane; CroclEcryTrare a specialty. 

This is the oldest and best known firm in the South. Mr. Zadek, the 
head of the house, is deservedly one of the most popular, accomplished 
and public-spirited citizens of Mobile. He takes the leading part in all 
enterprises conducive to the advancement of our city, and his word can 
be relied upon in stating the value of his wares. 

LACLEDE HOTEL, 

MOBILE, ALA. 

Delightfully situated on Government Street, between St. 
Emanuel and Conception Streets, 

ELEQANT HOOMS. TABLE FIRST CLASS. 

T£RMS-$2.00 PER DAY. 

MRS. E. ANNAN, Headquarters for Commercial Travelers. 

Proprietress. 

A. BAERMAN, 

o> m o o ^ m ,, 

No. 55 SOUTH ROYAL STREET, 
MOBILE, ALA. 

A. B. TREAT, 

FURNITURE, CARPETS AND OIL CLOTHS, 

OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. 
CHILDREN'S CARRIAGES. 

Nos 10 and 12 South Water Street, Mobile, Ala. 

This is one of the oldest and most reliable houses of Mobile, and car- 
ries the largest assortment of stock. 



Advertisements. 107 



GO TO THE NEW ESTABLISHMENT OF 

N. OTTENSTEIN, 

DEALEE IN 

No. 117 DAUPHIN STREET, 
BEFORE PURCHASING ELSEWHERE 

j^. OXJFtTIS & 00., 

Manufacturers' Agents. 

BOOTS, (CURlis^) SHOES, 

MOBILE 
58 DA.UPHIIN fe^TK^JET, 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEPARTMEN TS. MOBILE, ALA. 

BRISK & JACOBSON, 

MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN 

AlTD GENTS' FURNISHING GOODS, 

S. W. Cor. DAUPHIN AND WATER' STREETS, 

This is a inaiumotli building and filled with goods. Everything in the clothing line is found 

liere. 



WHOLESALE AND RETAIL GROCER, 



AND DEALER IN 



Choice Family Groceries, Wines, Liijuors and Cigars. 

A REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE, where may always be found a complete line ot Staple 
and Fancy Groceries, Provisions, Produce, Foreign and Domestic Fruits, Canned Goods, 
Confectioneries, (^leensware, (Jlassware and Notions. Everything offered at the lowest 
ruling prices. 

_.^^ Goods delivered free of charge to any part of the city.,^" 

N. W. Cor. Government and Royal Sts., Mobile, Ala 



Io8 ADVERTtSSlMENTS. 



Gaylord B. Clark. Frank B. Clark, Jr. 

LAW OFFICE OF 

CLARK oc CLARKi 

44 ST. FRANCIS STREET. 

J. Espalla, Jr. H. O. Haynie. 

ESPALLA & HAYNIE, 

REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND AUCTIONEERS, 



AGENTS FOH THE- 



HOME PROTECTION FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, 

OF NORTH ALABAMA. 

OFFICE : No. 64 ST. FRANCIS STREET, 
MOBILE, ALA, 

Thos. Gaillard. John Gaillard. 

GAIInLARD & BRO., 

—DEALERS IN — 

OFFICE: 50 ST. FRANCIS STREET, 
YARD : CORNER COIVIIVIERCE AND CONGRESS STREETS, 

TEL.EPHON£ ISo. 134. 

W. C. GAYNOR, 

Attoriiey-aUaw and Notary PuWlc 

Special facilities for the collection of claims not yet 
presented and those now before the Departments 
of the United States Government. 
office: second floor, 
40 NORTH ROYAL STREET, 



ADVERTISEMENTS. IO9 



ALWAYS BUY THE BEST. 

ESTEY ORGAN and PIANO, 

160 Di^UPHIISr STREET, 

C. H. LINCOLN, Agent. 



— WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN — 

HAVANA AND DOMESTIC CIGARS, 
MANUFACTURED TOBACCO, SMOKERS' ARTICLES, ETC. 

Corner Royal and Dauphin Streets, 



FASHIONABLE SHAVING AND BATH PARLORS, 

LADIES' LAMTRY AND OHILDEEN'S HAIR GUTTING 

IN THE LATEST STYLE. 

No. 4 SOUTH ROYAL STREET, 

I^OBILE, -A.LA.. 

This is one of the neatest and most agreeable shaving saloons to be 
found in any city. The public will be pleased with the skill of Emile's 
assistants. 

W. F. PUNCH, 

BIENVILLE PHARMACY. 

NORTHEAST CORNER OONOEPTION AND ST. FRANCIS STREETS, 

Mr. Punch has served a life time as druggist, and is known to be a 
most careful and skillful compounder of prescriptions. 



I lO ADVERTISEMENTS. 



O. O. NELSON, President. S. O. NELSON, Sec'y and Treas'r, 



GEF CITY OIL MILLS, 



MANUFACTURERS OF 



COTTON-SEED OIL 

OIL CAKE AND MEAL, 

Works on Commerce St., 



BETWEEN CONGRESS AND ADAMS, 



35^0BIXjE, J^XjA. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 1 1 1 



GAGE & CO., 

SUCCESSORS TO CHAS. P. GAGE & CO., 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS IN 

OFFICE-WHOLESALE AND RETAIL HOUSE, COMMERCE-ST. DEPOT, 
— AND RETAIL HOnS£ — 

S. W. COR. CONCEPTION AND ST. FRANCIS STREETS, 

MOBILE, ALA. 

This is the oldest Ice House in Mobile, and been in successful operation 

many years. 



\VHITING AMES, 



VVINES, I.IQUORS and CIGARS, 

MOBILE, ALA. 

F. KUPPERSMITH, 

DEALER IN 

OYSTER W and FISH, 

Depot— South side Conti, bet. Commerce and Water Sts, 

MOBILE, ALA. 



1 12 ADVERTISEMENTS. 



Chas. Mohr & Son, 

PHARMACISTS and CHEMISrS, 

COR. DAUPHIN AND ST. EMANUEL STS., MOBILE, ALA., 

Dealers in Pure Drugs and Chemicals. 

PHYSICIAN'S SUPPLIES A SPECIALTY. 

The best and most complete line of SUEGICAL INSTEUMENTS kept 

in the State. 
Sole agents for one of the largest manufacturers. 

SEND FOR PRICES. 

SOLE MANUFACTURERS OF 



AMERICAN FARINA COLOGNE, 

SOUTHERN HAIR TONIC, 

THYMOL DENTRIFICE. 

MOHR'S EMULSION COD LIVER OIL, WITH HYPOPHOSPHITES, 
MOHR'S SYR. PHOTO-IODIDE IRON AND MANGANESE, 

ELIXIR PYCNANTHEMUM, (the new Anti-Dyspepsia Remedy). 

DEALERS IN 

Perfumery. American and Foreign, Toilet Articles, &c 

Full line of the OAKLEY PERFUMERY AND SOAP CO. 
McKesson & Robbin GELATINE-COATED PILLS AND COCAINE 

Constantly on hand. 

TRUSSES, CRUTCHES, &c., &c., &c. 

DEPOT OF ACID IRON EARTH COMPANY. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



2000 ACRES OF TIBERED LAND 

FOR S A. L E. 

J. W. BAIRD, .... Contractor 

And Proprietor of a Saw Mill at the mouth of Fowl Eiver, on 
Mobile Bay, eighteen miles below the city. 

LUMBEE SAWED for shipping. All kinds of Piling and Telegraph 
Poles made from Meadow Pine. 

AN ORANGE ORCHARD of Five Thousand Trees, and Five Hundred 
PECANS, more than half of each bearing. 

ONE HUNDRED HEAD OF CATTLE, and a splendid range, are 
offered for sale to a good purchaser. None other need apply. 

The present occupant has lived here more than twenty years, almost 
entirely free from local diseases. Address, 

J. A\r. Bi^IKD, 

At ST. ELMO OE MOBILE. 

ROBT. T. SCHULTZ &C0 

COPPERSMITHS, 

SHEET IRON AND TIN WORKERS AND MANUFACTURERS. 

COPPER TURPENTINE DISTILLERY WORK a specialty. 
IRON STEAM PIPES and FITTINGS always on hand. 
Manufacturers of CHIMNEYS, BREECH, FIRE BEDS, 
HEATERS, ESCAPE PIPES, SHEET-IRON STOVES, &c. 

All Itepa.ii'iiig' Promptly Attended to. 

No. 10 SOUTH COMMMERCE STREET - " - - Mobile, Ala. 
THE l^EW STA-TVr>, 

71 DAUPHIN ST.--Geo. W. Coster & Co.'s Old Stand. 
V. BROWN, Mobile, Ala*^ 

DEALER IN ALL KINDS OF 

Clironios, Oil Paintings, Cornice Poles, Window Cornices and Photograph Frames. 

ALL KINDS OF FRAMES IN EVER7 ST7LE MADE TO OHDEB. 

There is no Picture Frame Maker more widely known here than Mr. V. BROWN, and it 
would be difficult to find in his line a more competent one. Go and try him. The character 
of his goods are first-class, and just what they are represented to be. Thankful for the pat- 
ronage of friends and the public, he asks a continuance of the same. 

VISITORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME. 




114 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



SCHIMPF'S SALOON, 

ISTos. 3 and 5 ISTorth Royal St., 

Where BILLY will continue to put up the Biggest and Best OYSTEK 
LOAFS for the smallest amount— 25 Cents. Fathers, Husbands and 
Lovers please make a memorandum. 

His WINES. LIQUORS, BEER and CIGARS/ celled. 



WHOLESALE AND HE"^ ' ^^ ^^\. ^^^ S^ 

IMPORTED and P ^.#^' JIGARS, 

CIGAR MANUFACTUEEK, AND TH/^^ .pO°^ cP^ iTHECELEBKATED 

"^ ilRES, 

FU^C.ITURE, 



FACTORY AND STORE 4^ \^ ^ • ^^ NORTH ROYAL STREET 



M> 



v>^^ ^' :>> 



Ayf-^f/ ^ Street, Mobile, Ala. 



^^^^ o^ A GUARANTEED. 
o •<* 



.iY PISER & CO., 



DEALERS IN 



Hides, Wool, Furs, Deerskins, 

Beeswax, Tallow, Old Metals, Paper Stock, Etc. 

43, 45 and 47 N. WATER ST. - - - - Mobile, Ala. 

js^ Full Satisfaction guaranteed to Patrons and Purchasers. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. lis; 



EICHOLD BROS. & WEISS, 

Wholesale dealers in and importers of 

LIQUORS, CIGARS and TOBACCOS, 

— AND— 

RECTIFIERS OF SPIRITS. 
Nos. 1, 3 Ic 5 SOUTH COMMERCE STREET, 

Estate of JARVIS TURNER. 

Mobile Door^kli and Blind Factory 

BUILDERS' MATERIAL, 

Window Glass and Mixed Paints, 

Wood Turning, Mouldings, Brackets, 

Mantels, Window and Door Frames, 

N. E. Corner "Water and St. Anthony Streets, 

MOBILE, ALA. 

N EW AND RELIABLE FIRM. 

Jas. T. Palmes. 8am. D. Copeland. 

JAMES T, PALMES Be COm 
xj:ivj[:be! 




GAS AND STEAM FITTERS. 

Cooking Ranges, Drove Wells, Gas Fixtures and Plumbing Goods of all Description, 

3*7 StrC. 3B»JFt..A.3XrCJIfiS STMSDE3T, 

Under Battle House, MOBILE, ALA. 



J. K. RANDALL, 

BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, 

BLANK BOOK MANUFACTURER. 

No. 5 NORTH WATER STREET, 

MOBILE, ALA. 

LAW, MEDICAL AND SCHOOL BOOKS. 



jt6 



ADVERTlSEMfiNTS. 



WM. F. STOUTZ. THOS. M. LeBaRON, 

REAL ESTATE AGENTS and AUCTIONEERS. 

THOS. ME. LeBA.ROIV, Auctioneer. 

AGENTS rOK THE 

GERMANIA LIFE INSURANCE CO. 

OF NEW YOEK. 
ASWETS NJEiVKLY ^10,403,355.63 

P. O. BOX 374. NO. 11 SOUTH KOYAL ST., Mobile, Ala. 




SOUTHERN BOILER WORKS, 

Geo. W. Richardson, Proprietor, 

67 & 59 N. WATEE ST„ MOBILE, ALA. 
All kinds of 

STEAM BOILERS 

INIade and Repaired. 

— ALSO — 

Oil and Water Tanks, Smoke Stacks, 

Breeching, Spark Arresters, Sheet 

Iron Doors. Window Slmtters, 

Steam Fitting, Blacksmithing, 

&c., &c.. &c. 

Special attention paid to repair work. 

Conntry orders solicited. Satisfaction 

gnaranteed. Prompt attention. 

(iood work and reasonable prices. 



MRS. C. ROSSIGUOL & SON, 

SUCCESSORS TO THE LATE C. ROSSIONOL. 

FRENCH DYEING ESTABLISHMENT, 

No. 116 ST. FRANCIS ST.— Between Jackson and Claiborne— Mobile, Ala. 

GENTLEMEN'S SUITS cleaned, dyed and repaired very handsomely. 

Ladies can get anything in their wardrobe handsomely dyed 

any color, without ripping, and repaired. Kid 

Gloves handsomely cleaned and repaired. 

Our colors will not rub off. 

*3=- Having liad many years experience in Europe and America, we guarantee satisfaction. 

WILLIAMSON & LEAVELL7 



DEALERS IN 



Coffins Caskets and Metallic Cases, 

107 Commerce St., Montgomery, Ala. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. t\^ 



Water Works, Plumbing, Steam and Gas Fitting, Specialties. 

JOHH H. ENGELHARDT, 



-MAMFAC'TUKKK OF- 



TIN AND SHEET IRON WARE, 

Roofing and Guttering Done at Short Notice- 

No. lU and IIG COURT STREET :(Opposite First Baptist Cluirfh) MONTGOMERY, ALA. 

Telephone Connection. All work warranted. 
J. E. Wells. J. Preiss. 

THE STAR BOTTLING WORKS. 

-MANUFACTURERS OF- 

SODA WATER, GINGER ALE, ETC., 

—SOLE AGENTS FOR W. H. BARNEY'S— 

i^xjrLEJ .A.i»i»ijiE: oii>e:ii., 

MONTGOMERY, ALA. 

National Restaurant and Saloon, 

WINES, LIQUORS AND CIGARS, 

BOARD AT REASONABLE RATES. 

105 COMMERCE STREET, 
IMONTCOMERY, ALA. 

J. H. HARTI-EY, 



MANUFACTURER OF 

SMOKE STACKS AND TANKS, 

And everything in the Sheet Iron Line of any dimension. Repairing 
promptly attended to. Charges moderate. 

MONTGOMERY, ALA 207 MoNKOE Street. 



Il8 ADVERTISEMENTS. 



^A^. VVT. SCOTT'S 

EUROPEAN HOTEL, 

(Just above the Union Depot, in the Wholesale Block.) 

131 COMMERCE STREET, MONTGOMERY, ALA. 
GAME, OYSTERS AND FISH, SPECIALTIES. 



Eagle Furniture Factory 

HAVE A FULL SUPPLY OF 

Cheap and Medium Class of Furniture 

j\.t Wholesale and Retail- 
WAREROOMS: 115 Dexler Avenue, Montgomery, Ala. 

1865 JOSEPH JONAS, 1885 

HEADQUARTERS FOE ALL GRADES AND STYLES OF 

Cigars, Plug and Smoking Tobacco, 

And Smoker's Articles in General. 

Orders by Mail will Receive Prompt Attention. 

16 COURT SQUARE, Montgomery, Ala. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



119 



MOBILE COTTON EXCHANGE. 

OFFICERS: 

D. E. HUGER President 

T ^TTTu m^Vr' ; Ti^- Vice-President 

fe^S^w^/^T^i?.^ Treasurer 

^- ^ T^^T T^ Superintendent 

"^ JEUi'r^'^-'-'^i'^ Assistant Superintendent 

ROBERT MIDDLETON Chief Supervisor 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 
J. C. BUSH, L. C. DORGAN, JOHN A. DePRAS 

GEORGE L. HOPKINS, C. L. HUGER, T. S. INGERSOLL' 

JOHN WYLIE. 



MOBILE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. 

OFFICERS : 

THOMAS G. BUSH Preqidpnf 

THOMAS P. BROWN Vice-PrS Knt 

FRANK P. ANDREWS TreaJn?pr 

A. POPE ST. JOHN '...■. v.". ".■.■.■/.■.■.■.■.■.sSetery 

DIRECTORS: 
L. BREWER, T. A. HAMILTON, W T WEST 

FERD. FORCHEIMER, JAMES McDONNELL, C E TUTTLF 

M. LYONS, W. S. FOSTER, J. j] BOTTEr! 

OFFICERS 

Under tlie act for the settlement of the old city debt : 

Z. M. P. INGE, Trustee. GEO. B. CLITHERALL, Supt. of Wharves 
LOUIS H. KENNERLY, Tax Collector. 

MOBILE POLICE BOARD. 

RICHARD B. OWEN President 

JAMES BOND Commissioner First Ward 

WINFIELD S. LEWIS Commissioner Second Ward 

ROBERT A. SAVAGE Commissioner Third Ward 

T^^^^A^T^^??^!/-^ Commissioner Fourth Ward 

JOHN CALLAGE AN Commissioner Fifth Ward 

I^^^^^J^r^T^^^^^^^ -A- Commissioner Sixth Ward 

St A^TTXTm o^^o A lir VxV Commissioner Seventh Ward 

BLOUNT SOSSAMAN Commissioner Eighth Ward 

PORT OFFICERS: 

Attorney— Braxton Bragg. Chief Fire Department— M. Sloan 

Engineer— D. M. N. Ross. Assistant Chief— C. W. Soost 

Sexton— P. F. Alba. Keeper Bienville Square— Juo. Neill 

Police Captain— J. J. Crowley. Keeper Wash'n Square— T. Connelly 

Police Lieutenant— E. Rondeau. Inspector Naval Stores— A. A Voss 
Police Sergeant— Chas. E. Spencer. Remover of Dead Animals— W H 
Police Sergeant— James Martin. Smith. 

Police Sergeant— John McGuire. Port Printer— John L. Rapier 
Street Inspector— A. O. Sibley. Superintendent Fire Alarm Tele- 

Keeper Magnolia Cemet'y—P.Coniff. graph— W. A. Alexander 
Keeper Old Cemetery- C. Skally. Recorder— R. B. Owen 
Clerk Sout'n Market— J. W.Clonan. Tax Collector— Wm. A Shields 
Committee Clerk— T. W. Daly. Clerk— John F. Summersell. 



DEC 20 1901 



1 20 ADVERTISEMENTS. 



A. C. DANNER, 

LUMBEH, SHINGLES, &c., 

AGENT FOE THE 

STOOKITOIsr 

Cypress Saw Mills and Shingle Mills, 

No. 46 ST. FRANCIS STREET, 

MOBILE, ALA. 
A. C. DANNER, President. J. W. SPRATLEY, Sec'y & Treas'r. 

MOBILE COAL COMPANY, 

Successors to A. C. Banner & Co., 

COAL, WOOD AND COKE, 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, 
No. 46 ST. FRANCIS STREET, 

OPPOSITE THE LADIES' ENTRANCE TO THE BATTLE HOUSE, 



Jo 

c 




-f] By SUB ROSA. ^ 




READ 



AND 



BE 



CONVINCED 



OF 



THE 




POND'SBdRiCT 




]iTJBNS, SUNBUENS, DIAEEHCEA, CHAP- 

LNGS, STINGS OF INSECTS, PILES, 

BOEE EYES, S02E FEET. 

THE WONDER OF HEALING I 

For Piles. Blind. Bleeding or Itching, it is the 
jjreai«Bt known remedy . 

For Burns. 8calds, Wounds. Bruises and 
Sprains, it is unequaUtd— stopptnif paiu and healii^K 
in & marvellous mamK r. 

For Inflamed and Sore Eyes.— Its efifect upon 
these delicate organs is simply marvellous. 

It is the Ladies' Friend.— AU female complalntE 
yield to its wondrous powi r. 

For I'lcers, Old Sores, or Open Wounds, 
Tootiiache, Faceache, Bites of injects. Sore- 
Feet, its action upon tlieso is most remarkable. 

BECOMMENDEI) ST PUTSICIANS 1 
USED I\ HOSPITALS I 



Caution.— POXD'S EXTRACT has been imi- 
\-ted. The qenuine has the u-orda "POND'S KX- 
I'RACT" blown in the glass, and our picture trade 
nuirk on surrounding buff wrapper. None other is 
genuine. Always insist on hating POXD'S EX- 
TRACT. Take no other preparation. 

It is never sold in bu^k or by measure. 



EPECIAl, PBEPARATI0N9 OF TOND's EXTRACT COM- 
BINED WITU THK PUREST AND MOST DELICATE 
PERFUME FOR ladies' BOUDOIR. 

POND'S EXTRACT 50c., $1.00, $I,75- 



Toilet Cream 1,00 

Dentifrico 50 

LipSalve 25 

Toilet Soap (3 Cakes). 50 
Ointment 50 



Catarrh Cure 75 

Plaster 25 

Inhaler (Glass 50c.). .1. CO 

Nasal Syringe 25 

Medicated Paper 25 



Family Syringe, $1.00. 

T" CuR New Pamphlet with IIistory of our 
Preparation a Sekt I'KEE on application to 

PO^aD'S EXTRACT CO.; 

76 Fifth Ave., New York. 




WONDERFDL 



HEALIN& 



PROPERTIES 



OF 



POND'S 



Extract. 




LBJe 10 



OPERA PUFF CIGARETTES. 



These Cigarettes are made with the new AMBER prepared 
paper (Papier Ambre,) a new and novel French invention, which 
entirely removes the objection so frequently urged against paper 
Cigarettes. 

In smoking, the Amber prepared part that is put in the 
Mouth, WILL NOT STICK TO THE UPS, and Is absolutely saliva 
proof. 

The absence of moisture prevents the dissolution of nicotine 
while smoking, or the spreading of the Tobacco, and melting of 
the Bice paper. 

A. K,ECEIVT DECISIOIV 

" The Eleventh Chamber has just rendered its decision in a 
matter which interests cigarette smokers, it was the case of 
Messrs. Gaston D'Argy & Co., inventors and manufacturers of 
the celebrated Papier Ambre (amber tipped paper), against one 
Prodon, who had counterfeited and placed on sale an imitation of 
the original. The Eleventh Chamber has rendered a severe judg- 
ment. It imposes upon M. Prodon a fine of two thousand francs 
and conderas him to pay four thousand francs damages to the 
plaintiffs until a more considerable indemnity could be inflicted 
by the State, and he is also obliged to publish the decision of the 
court in ten Paris journals, at his own expense".— J^'rom Le Figaro, 
Paris. 



In this country the Papier Ambre— which will not stick to the 
lips— is known in connection with the celebrated brands of cigar- 
ettes, " Little Beauties " (pressed flat), and " Opera Puffs," that 
have become so popular that they are in everybody's mouth. 

This paper has long been corsidered the very finest for cigar- 
ette purposes ever made. The exclusive American right is held 
by Allen & Ginter, of Bichmond. 



B^iif ^ wmm mmmw mwm mAmm^ 



75 



DAUPHIN STREET 



7B 




m^ 



WHOl[MlR[IlilLGROC[RI[S 



AND 






WE INVITE CASH BUYERS 
TO GIVE US A CALL. 

We buy our own Goods in CaNLoads 

DIRECT FROM MANUFACTURERS, 
— THEREFORE 



CANNOT BE UNDERSOLD. 



B. WARD, 



IVortliwest Corner of 

Daiipbin and Conception Street*. 



